Anti-human trafficking march shines a spotlight on ‘rife’ problem in city

GLOBAL anti-human trafficking organisation A21 embarked on a walk for freedom to raise awareness this past weekend.

Ambassadors, residents and activists handed out pamphlets and carried placards, some stating that “every 30 seconds someone becomes a slave”.

The walk was well-received by passers by, with some joining in.

Quigney resident Thembekile Tyatyana said human trafficking was rife in the area.

“It is very rife here, this place is dangerous. I wish the government could take into consideration what is happening here and provide a solution,” he said, pointing out areas that were known as hotspots.

Libhongo Ntlokonkuku, 52, who was carrying a placard that read “99% of victims are never rescued”, said he would like to be an ambassador for A21.

“The purpose of this walk is to spread the message that man should refrain from abusing, drugging and abducting our daughters and sisters. We want to give survivors and victims a voice and strength to fight,” he said.

“I want the perpetrators to know that what they are doing is wrong and that law enforcement is coming for them.”

The participants also prayed outside a house in Moore Street that is believed to be a hotspot for drug dealers, users, prostitutes and traffickers. Some marchers chanted “slavery still exists”.

Ward 47 councillor Vusumzi Njece applauded A21 for their initiative, saying it “talks to the challenges we face in this ward”.

“If you look closely at our community, you will see that it is exposed to prostitution and drug use, possibly human trafficking. It is very important for me to partake in this walk because it affects me.

“We have identified hotspots and we are working with Masimanyane, social development, CPF, as well as the SAPS to stop this,” he said, adding that he wanted to fight the culture of drug abuse, prostitution and most importantly human trafficking in the area.

A21 host Siphokazi Mnapu said the walk was meant to shine a spotlight on the problem for those who did not have a voice.

“We are hoping that people will come on board to join the fight against human trafficking.

“With the contribution of R100, one can help restore somebody’s life and bring them back to sanity and civilisation,” she said.

Hawks spokeswoman Anelisa Feni said: “We appreciate initiatives which bring into the forefront issues of human trafficking.”

She reiterated that their mandate was to investigate and arrest alleged perpetrators.