INTRODUCTION

Human trafficking in South Africa occurs as a practice of forced labour and commercial sexual exploitation among imported and exported trafficked men, women, and children.

Generally, South African girls are trafficked for the purposes of commercial sexual exploitation and domestic servitude, while boys are used for street vending, foodservice, and agriculture

Anecdotal evidence suggests that South African children can also be forced to provide unpaid labour for landowners in return for land occupancy, living accommodation ,or for maintaining labour tenancy rights.

Human trafficking is the result of a combination of several factors, including gender inequality, economic instability, and political conflict. Since Africa experiences all of these ,it is an active hub for human trafficking.

Many urge for the need of a cultural shift to reduce instances of human trafficking by lessening the demand for sex and unpaid labour

THE ISSUE IN BRIEF

It is estimated that there are millions of victims; though only about 50–100,000 cases are found each year. The University of Johannesburg reports that trafficking occurs at a slightly higher rate for girls than boys, with 55.5% of all trafficked people in South Africa being female, and 44.5% being male. It is estimated that more than three-quarters of all victims are between the ages of 12–25.

Though many victims are recruited through deceit on behalf of the trafficker, sometimes victims of human trafficking enter on their own accord, as they are faced with economic hardships that leave them desperate for a better life. This can occur as agentic victims are coerced by employers or pimps to become a trafficked person for a number of false benefits such as better pay, for example. The uneven distribution of wealth in South Africa leaves victims vulnerable to promises of wealth, there are first wave victims, classified as people recruited for trafficking, and second wave victims, such as women who were trafficked and now serve as recruiters.

Traffickers have learned to find victims in places where there is little to no protection for exploitation, weak government, poverty, corrupt law enforcement, temporary working positions,  and places where diaspora is common. Many traffickers convince their victims to fear the police, as they are not to be trusted, which helps to keep victims trapped in the cycle of trafficking

ACTIONS REQUIRED

1.PROTECTION

• UWSA to set up safe spaces (containers) across South Africa where victims can come to in order to report the crime and seek help.

2. PREVENTION

• UWSA to implement a self-defense programme for victims
• UWSA to setup income generating projects for victims to participate in so that they can become financially independent.
• UWSA to provide micro-credit opportunities
• Conduct self-image building workshops for victims
• Host awareness campaigns

3. PARTNERSHIPS

• Salvation Army & other NGO’s focusing on AHT
• Places of Safety and Shelters
• Medical facilities and service providers
• Department of Justice and Social Development

UNITED WAY SOUTH AFRICA ECONOMIC MOBILITY

Establishes economic pathways for underserved South Africans to become meaningfully engaged, capacitated and actively involved in the formal economy

UWSA SETS UP INCOME GENERATING PROJECTS FOR  GBV VICTIMS TO PARTICIPATE IN SO THAT THEY CAN BECOME FINANCIALLY INDEPENDENT

• UWSA provided skills empowerment training programme on how to do nails as part of our income generating projects.
• This took place from the 6 September to the 10 September 2021
• The following selection criteria was used to select our beneficiaries:
• Unemployed single mums
• Unemployed Youth
• Rehabilitated sex workers
• GBV victims

SELF DEFENSE WORKSHOPS IN OUR SCHOOLS

South Africa has one of the highest rates of violence against women in the world. On average, 3 women are killed daily by an intimate partner. The Department of Justice estimates that 1 of every 4 South African women are survivors of domestic violence. It was estimated in 2014/2015, that 563 841 sexual offences occurred but only 62 649 of these offences were reported.  Only 1% of 8 174 sexual offence cases that went to court resulted in an actual conviction.