Rabia Mayet | rabiamayet@radioislam.co.za

10 September 2024

2-minute read

The Gauteng legislature is to launch a campaign aimed at raising awareness and combatting the growing crisis of human trafficking. Chair of chairs, Tarlton Adams commented that the Gauteng Legislature has a vision, especially after the May elections 2024; they want to take the government closer to the people. Their aim is to play a role in dealing with the “massive scourge” of human trafficking, starting off with Claremont and Westbury where the campaign is to be launched, and then moving on to other areas of Gauteng. Mr Adams has undertaken this as his pet project with programs to drive this movement of “bringing awareness” and curbing human trafficking.

Stats reveal that the incident of trafficking is slightly higher in females over males with 55.5% of girls being trafficked compared to 45.5% of boys.  It also shows that cases of trafficking are up by a whopping 13.9% from last year. There is an urgent need to “mobilize and galvanize” people from all spheres of civil society in order to eradicate this problem. Mr Adams stated that this is “happening under a shadow” and it needs to be taken to the “forefront” in order to combat this “monster we are facing”.

Incidents of kidnapping of business people in our community is also on the rise with two incidents of Mozambican and Portuguese victims being shot dead. Amongst the youth, girls from the ages of 16 to 20 are being kidnapped for sex trafficking. Young people in all regions are being bribed and paid money to be facilitators in the kidnappings of other young girls and boys. Due to the socio-economic challenges facing many facets of the community, like poverty, inequality and unemployment, youngsters find it difficult to turn down these offers.

The Gauteng Legislature is able to play a pivotal role in these campaigns. There are budgets allocated to different departments and money should not only be spent on infrastructure, but should also be channeled to projects and programs like these. Communities must “feel the budget”, Mr Adams said. There are massive awareness campaigns underway that will be taking place in schools and clinics; in recreation centers; in mosques, churches, temples; and even in prisons. If we all come together, we can surely make a difference as Gautengers.

Listen to the full interview with Ml Sulaimaan Ravat and Tarlton Adams on Sabahul Muslim.