On 30 July 2025, the Deputy Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Andries Nel, held a conference on human trafficking in Cape Town. The department held the conference to commemorate World Day Against Trafficking in Persons today.
”Trafficking in persons remains a serious human rights violation and a growing concern in South Africa,” said the DOJ.
According to the department, South Africa has experienced ongoing cases involving sexual exploitation, forced labour and other forms of abuse. The human trafficking syndicates often target vulnerable groups such as women and children.
HUMAN TRAFFICKING DEEMED AS ORGANISED CRIME
This year’s conference has been themed ‘Human Trafficking is Organised Crime – End the Exploitation’. The DOJ met with stakeholders and anti-trafficking organisations. Together, they discussed solutions to combat the crime that is increasing in statistics.
The DOJ said a possible solution for tackling human trafficking is to strengthen resources at airports and harbours. As a result, the department has launched Local Task Team Offices. They believe the offices will assist with intercepting the syndicates and providing support to the victims.
“This initiative, in partnership with the Western Cape Provincial Task Team, is aimed at enhancing coordination and oversight among all relevant stakeholders,” said DOJ.
THE CRIME GOES BEYOND SA BORDERS
In March this year, the Department of International Relations and Cooperation rescued 23 South Africans from Myanmar. According to DIRCO, the SA citizens formed part of 7000 individuals from various countries, that had been lured to the Kingdom of Thailand after coming across an employment agency on social media.
“These adverts promised the victims good salaries, free accommodation, comprehensive travel expenses and other lucrative benefits,” said DIRCO.
However once they got to Thailand, they were transported to Myanmar against their will and none of the jobs they were promised materialised. DIRCO has since urged citizens to be more cautious of who they choose to trust.
HAVE YOU OBSERVED A RISE IN HUMAN TRAFFICKING CASES?
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