Sameera Casmod | sameerac@radioislam.co.za
10 October 2023 | 08:45am CAT
2-min read

Picture: A21

Hundreds of Capetonians will join forces with tens of thousands worldwide on Saturday, October 14th, to participate in an event aimed at combating the reality of human trafficking. The event, known as the “Walk for Freedom,” is organised by the non-profit organisation A21, which is dedicated to raising awareness and funds to fight human trafficking. The event marks A21’s 9th Annual Awareness and Fundraising Event.

Human trafficking remains a grave concern globally, with a staggering 49.6 million individuals currently entrapped in this modern form of slavery, enduring exploitation for their bodies and labour. Despite the efforts of numerous non-governmental organisations, the number of people enslaved today surpasses any other time in history.

Chené Fourie, the reach coordinator at A21, emphasised the gravity of the situation during an interview on Radio Islam International. She described human trafficking as a modernised form of slavery, a reality that is both sad and heartbreaking. Many still question whether human trafficking exists, particularly in South Africa and Africa as a whole, but sadly, it is prevalent on the continent.

Ms. Fourie explained that vulnerability has surged, especially since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. African populations have become exceptionally vulnerable, with statistics indicating that 54 percent of South Africa’s population is susceptible to trafficking. Currently, there are an estimated 157,000 people enslaved in South Africa alone. Traffickers prey on this vulnerability, turning human trafficking into a lucrative industry generating about R258 trillion annually. Shockingly, it is one of the fastest-growing industries globally.

The fight against human trafficking requires collective action. Ms. Fourie noted that no single organisation, governmental body, or law enforcement agency can single-handedly solve this pervasive issue. Instead, it’s imperative that all stakeholders work together, including the general public. Citizens are urged to remain vigilant, identifying and reporting suspicious activities that may indicate human trafficking.

A21’s Walk for Freedom event, scheduled for October 14th, is one of their most significant global awareness campaigns. It will take place in numerous countries worldwide. Participants will engage in a silent march, wearing black attire while carrying posters and distributing informational flyers about trafficking. In Africa alone, there will be 18 walks across six countries, with Cape Town hosting one of them.

People can sign up to participate in a walk near them through the A21 website. This event serves as a powerful way for individuals to make a difference and support the cause.

South Africa, with one of the highest unemployment rates globally, faces unique challenges regarding human trafficking. False job opportunities are a common tactic used by traffickers to recruit victims. Various forms of trafficking exist, including labour trafficking, bonded labour, domestic servitude, child soldiers, horse begging, and organ harvesting. However, in South Africa, sex trafficking, labour trafficking, and domestic servitude are the most prevalent.

Ms. Fourie concluded the interview by urging viewers to report potential trafficking cases to the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 0800 222 777. She expressed hope that many would join the Walk for Freedom event to demonstrate their commitment to combatting human trafficking.

Listen to the full interview on Sabaahul Muslim with Moulana Sulaimaan Ravat here.