Deputy Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development (DJCOD), Andries Nel, has called for a united approach to fight human trafficking and the exploitation of young women.
This after the circulation of social media videos – through prominent South African influencers – of controversial and possibly illegal job opportunities in Russia.
The videos circulated by the influencers are targeted at young women between the ages of 18 and 22.
“Let me be clear: these offers are not endorsed by the Government of South Africa. Never rely solely on social media promotions or unsolicited social media advertisements. Always cross-check and verify job opportunities through official channels,” Nel said.
The Deputy Minister acknowledged the “desperation created by high levels of youth unemployment, particularly among young women”, which could lead to dangerous situations.
“These vulnerabilities must not be exploited. Government remains committed to creating safe and sustainable employment pathways through initiatives such as the Presidential Employment Stimulus, the National Youth Service, and skills development programmes,” he said.
Nel emphasised that a ‘whole of society’ approach is required to protect young lives.
“We call upon all sectors of society – government, civil society, business and communities – to work together to protect our youth from predators who seek to profit from their hopes and dreams.
“The safety, dignity and futures of our young people are not for sale. Human trafficking is a scourge that we must confront with unity, vigilance, and unshakable resolve,” Nel said.
Echoing the Deputy Minister’s sentiments on the dangers of human trafficking, the department relayed the example of some 23 South Africans who were rescued and repatriated from Myanmar in March.
“Before leaving South Africa in 2024, they were lured to the Kingdom of Thailand under false pretences by an employment agency that promised them lucrative jobs that were advertised on various social media platforms. These adverts promised the victims good salaries, free accommodation, comprehensive travel expenses and other lucrative benefits.
“Once in Thailand, they were transported to Myanmar against their will. The victims were held captive for more than four months in a cybercrime compound in Myanmar. They were subjected to brutal treatment, intimidation, physical torture and forced labour. They were also compelled to engage in illicit activities, including online scams that targeted individuals worldwide,” the department said.
Before accepting any international offer, use the following channels to verify its authenticity:
- The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO).
- The Department of Employment and Labour (DoEL).
- The Department of Home Affairs (DHA).
- The South African Police Service (SAPS).
“It is also imperative that any person taking up a job offer or opportunity overseas must first enquire from the country where the employment is offered as to what the legal travel and legal working requirements are, in respect of that country.
“Trafficking in persons is a reality, with South Africa being regarded as a source, transit and destination country for trafficking in persons. Recent data from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime has documented a 25% global increase in detected trafficking of victims, with children accounting [for] 38%.
“The department working with the National Intersectoral Committee on Trafficking in Persons (NICTIP), provincial task teams, and rapid response units established under the Prevention and Combating of Trafficking in Persons Act, 2013 (Act 7 of 2013), continues to strengthen South Africa’s collective response to trafficking in persons.
“Our work includes enhancing investigations and prosecutions of trafficking offences, building cross-border partnerships with international counterparts and expanding public awareness campaigns to alert communities to the methods used by traffickers,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za
Comments are closed.