Neelam Rahim | neelam@radioislam.co.za
3-minute read

Human trafficking thrives in plain sight, with communities urged to act to protect the most vulnerable. 📸

Human trafficking remains one of South Africa’s most pervasive yet hidden crimes, deeply embedded in the country’s organised criminal economy and thriving within vulnerable communities. Experts warn that without stronger community vigilance and systemic reform; thousands more remain at risk of exploitation.

According to a Human Sciences Research Council study, as many as 250,000 people may have fallen victim to human trafficking in South Africa. The scale of the crisis was again highlighted following a recent incident in Johannesburg where 10 undernourished Ethiopian boys were found half-naked, allegedly held by a trafficker.

Speaking to Radio Islam International, University of KwaZulu-Natal academic Dr Monique Emser said human trafficking has flourished due to a convergence of regional and domestic failures. “Human trafficking has become embedded in South Africa’s criminal economy due to state fragility, corruption and weak institutional capacity,” she said.

South Africa’s position as an economic hub has further intensified the problem. The latest Organised Crime Index ranks the country second in Africa with a criminality score of 7.3, reflecting how criminal networks have become entrenched over decades. Emser stressed that trafficking is no longer an isolated crime. “We can’t divorce human trafficking from other forms of organised crime,” she said, noting its links to drug trafficking, illegal mining, wildlife trafficking, arms trafficking and cybercrime.

Victims are often recruited through deception rather than force, with promises of employment, education or better opportunities. Emser explained that traffickers exploit trust-based relationships. “Acquaintances, community members, romantic partners and even relatives may serve as recruiters,” she said. Many victims are later held in debt bondage, forced to work to repay travel and accommodation costs.

Children are among the most vulnerable. They are trafficked for sexual exploitation, forced labour, domestic servitude, organised begging and forced criminal activities. Emser warned that child victims are often “polyvictimised”, enduring multiple forms of abuse, with long-term psychological and social consequences.

While foreign nationals are frequently highlighted, Emser noted that around half of identified victims are South African nationals, underscoring the reality of domestic trafficking.

Beyond individual suffering, trafficking places immense strain on public systems, including health care, social services and the criminal justice system, while also eroding labour standards, fuelling corruption and undermining the rule of law.

Emser emphasised that communities play a critical role in prevention. “If you see something, report something,” she urged, pointing to warning signs such as restricted movement, underage individuals in exploitative work, or unusual activity at properties. “Stronger communities are very important because we know what’s happening around us.”

As authorities grapple with the scale of the crisis, experts warn that human trafficking will continue to thrive unless communities, institutions and the state act decisively to protect the most vulnerable.

Listen to the full interview on Your World Today with Moulana Ibrahim Daya and Dr Monique Emser.