Pretoria: Deputy Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Andries Nel, has called for a united approach to fight human trafficking and the exploitation of young women. This comes in response to the circulation of social media videos by prominent South African influencers promoting controversial and possibly illegal job opportunities in Russia. These videos specifically target young women aged 18 to 22.
According to South African Government News Agency, Nel emphasized that these offers are not endorsed by the South African government. He advised against relying solely on social media promotions or unsolicited advertisements and urged job seekers to verify opportunities through official channels. Nel acknowledged the desperation caused by high youth unemployment rates, particularly among young women, which could lead to dangerous situations.
Nel stressed that these vulnerabilities should not be exploited and reiterated the government’s commitment to creating safe employment pathways through initiatives like the Presidential Employment Stimulus and the National Youth Service. He called for a “whole of society” approach to protect young lives, urging government, civil society, business, and communities to unite against predators who exploit the hopes and dreams of young people.
The Deputy Minister’s concerns were echoed by the department, citing the example of 23 South Africans who were rescued from Myanmar after being lured to Thailand under false employment pretenses. Promised lucrative jobs and benefits, these individuals were instead transported to Myanmar and held captive in a cybercrime compound, where they faced brutal treatment and forced labor.
The department advised individuals to verify international job offers through channels such as the Department of International Relations and Cooperation, the Department of Employment and Labour, the Department of Home Affairs, and the South African Police Service. Furthermore, they highlighted the reality of trafficking in persons, with South Africa being a source, transit, and destination country, and noted a 25% global increase in detected trafficking cases as reported by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime.
The department, in collaboration with the National Intersectoral Committee on Trafficking in Persons and other entities, continues to strengthen South Africa’s response to trafficking. Their efforts include enhancing investigations, building cross-border partnerships, and expanding public awareness campaigns to educate communities about traffickers’ methods.