SLAVERY IN SA

Two out of every 1000 people in SA are trapped in modern-day slavery. NPO A21 has resolved to end this scourge through an awareness campaign that urges ordinary citizens to help victims.

How to spot the signs of human trafficking

The buying and selling of people for exploitation through forced labour, sex work and domestic slavery is the fastest-growing crime in the world.

Slavery is a $150 billion global industry, says the International Labour Organisation; 75 percent of victims are women. And it isn’t something that happens out there. The Global Slavery Index, a study of modern-day slavery, found that SA is home to about 155000 human trafficking victims. The Western Cape in particular is considered a source, transit area and destination for those forced into labour and sex trafficking.

Last year international NPO A21 launched the ‘Can you see me?’ campaign, which includes hard-hitting videos that show how trafficking is happening right here and how to spot it. ‘We empower communities to take steps to report suspicious behaviour,’ says A21 human trafficking hotline manager Rene Hanekom. ‘This includes

things like a house where there’s little activity during the day but is busy at night, or recruiters who offer dubious job opportunities.’

LABOUR TRAFFICKING

Groups of people, usually from other countries, are recruited to work in factories and mines or on farms with the promise of lodgings and a salary. But once they arrive, they’re made to work for little or no pay, live in appalling conditions, are underfed and usually physically abused. Victims don’t have documentation and are often scared to come forward.

DOMESTIC SLAVERY

This is when someone is enslaved in their home or someone else’s. Young people are often recruited by family members, lured with the promise of employment or a chance to study, only to find themselves as slaves for their ‘host family’.

SEX SLAVERY

Women are coaxed away from home by a boyfriend for a holiday, or by a friend who offers them a place to stay in the city or a job. Once they arrive, they’re delivered to a brothel, hooked on drugs and forced into prostitution.

RED FLAGS

• The person works excessive hours and is underpaid or not paid.

• No breaks are allowed or there are unusual work restrictions.

• There’s no labour contract.

• They rely on their employer for accommodation and transport.

• Labour laws are disregarded.

• They don’t have access to money, or their ID or passports.

• They’re rarely seen outside the house, even for special occasions.

*If you suspect trafficking activity, call the SA National Human Trafficking Resource Line on 0800 222 777. Go to canyouseeme.net for more info.