Taking human trafficking awareness to the streets

The Western Cape Department of Social Development (DSD), together with the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA), and the non-profit organization (NPO), A21, conducted a joint Trafficking in Persons Awareness Day event on 29 July 2024 at the Inter-Provincial Bus Terminal in Cape Town.

This campaign comes ahead of World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, observed annually on 30 July. The theme for this year is “Leave No Child Behind in the Fight Against Human Trafficking”.

During the 2023/2024 period, 13 survivors of human trafficking accessed support services from DSD-funded shelters for victims of violence and abuse in the Western Cape. Shelter services provide a safe space where basic needs are met, as well as providing practical support, counselling, and skills development.

Traffickers exploit and profit from adults or children by forcing them to perform labour or sexual acts. There are different types of trafficking of which the most prevalent is: forced labour, domestic servitude, and sexual exploitation.

A21 is one of the largest organisations globally fighting human trafficking. Its Western Cape branch is one of DSD’s funded NPO partners in the Victim Empowerment space.

“The reality is that 99% of victims will not be identified unless someone sees something and reports it. That’s why joint awareness operations like today are so important. We are encouraging community members to learn more about what trafficking looks like and know where to go to report it. We want to see more front-line professionals train the public on how to report and assist a victim,” said Katie Modrau from A21.

Provincial Minister of Social Development, Jaco Londt, joined A21, PRASA and DSD officials, and police officers, in sharing information with commuters around the Cape Town Train Station, specifically the Inter-Provincial Bus Terminal.

“We know that it is usually vulnerable people, like those living in poverty, who are targeted. Public transport terminals have become hotspots for trafficking activities. We wanted to share information with as many people as possible about the dangers of trafficking, what to look out for, and how to report this crime. Trafficking in persons violates our most fundamental human rights. That is why we need more partners to join DSD and organisations such as A21 to raise awareness in high-volume areas because this is the key to getting the message out there. If you see someone who may be in trouble, please call 0800 222 777, or report it to your nearest police station or your local DSD office,” said Provincial Minister Londt.

Contacts for anyone seeking help:

South African National Human Trafficking Resource Line: 0800 222 777

South African Human Rights Commission: 011 877 3600

South African Police Service: 08600 10111

DSD toll-free number: 0800 220 250