Azra Hoosen | ah@radioislam.co.za
26th January 2024 | 11:00 CAT
2 min read

A21 and other organisations are calling for increased awareness efforts during National Human Trafficking Prevention Month in January.

Human Trafficking is the illegal trade of human beings and the recruitment, control, and use of people for their bodies and their labour.

Human trafficking is hidden, fast-growing, and complex and generates billions each year through the exploitation of millions of people.

Reach coordinator at A21 – Abolish Slavery Everywhere Forever, Chené Fourie told Radio Islam that there are more people enslaved today than at any other time in history.

Labour trafficking is a prevalent issue in South Africa due to economic factors such as inflation and high unemployment rates. “With the nature of South Africa and the different vulnerabilities we see, this crime has been undetected for a long time. With economic factors in the last year, we can expect to see more people exploited and far more vulnerable because of the cost of living and desperation within people,” said Fourie.

Fourie emphasised that trafficking is happening in almost every community right under our noses. “Globally, there are about 15 million people in the slave trade and about 155,000 people in trafficking situations in South Africa. Trafficking has existed as long as vulnerability has existed or for as long as there have been factors that put people in a position of desperation,” Fourie said.

According to A21, South Africa is considered the source destination and transit country for trafficking.

Fourie explained that the term “source” in this context refers to individuals who are recruited from South Africa to other African countries or different parts of the world. Often, these recruits are lured in with false opportunities such as job or travel offers. Many South Africans express an interest in caregiving and teaching positions abroad. Additionally, individuals from neighbouring countries are also recruited and sent to South Africa through deceitful means. Furthermore, some people are transported through South Africa to other countries.

Fourie asserted that no one organisation can combat this organised crime. “We all play a critical role in the fight against human trafficking. Education and Awareness are a big part of it; it is often hidden in plain sight. Educational programs, awareness campaigns, and prevention efforts can help equip everyone to identify and reduce the risk of human trafficking,” she added.

Fourie stressed the importance of educating the most vulnerable in one’s community.

The South African National Human Trafficking Hotline – 0800 222 777

LISTEN to the full interview with Ml Sulaimaan Ravat and A21’s Reach Coordinator Chené Fourie, here.