The Gauteng Department of Social Development warned citizens, particularly young people, about ongoing human trafficking schemes targeting South Africans under the false promise of overseas employment.
This follows the repatriation of 17 young South Africans trafficked through Thailand and exploited in Myanmar.
They are part of a group of about 120 South Africans who have fallen victim to trafficking networks since last March.
The victims originate from several provinces, including Mpumalanga, KZN, Gauteng, the Free State, the North West Province and the Western Cape. Gauteng only accounts for about 80 cases, highlighting the nationwide reach of these criminal networks.
The National Intersectoral Committee on Trafficking in Persons (NICTIP) facilitated the repatriation. The NICTIP comprises various government departments responsible for law enforcement, social services and immigration.
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According to authorities, the victims were recruited mainly through social media platforms like Facebook, and by people known to them, including family, former colleagues, acquaintances and church members.
The recruitment process often involved online interviews via WhatsApp or email, with recruiters arranging and paying for air tickets, accommodation and travel logistics, making the offers appear legitimate and attractive.
One of the repatriated victims, a 25-year-old who prefers to be identified as ‘The Don’ for fear of victimisation, arrived at the OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg yesterday with five others. He was relieved to finally return home after leaving SA in November 2024 in search of better opportunities.
“After my mother died and our stepfather disappeared after the funeral, I have been the breadwinner for my family of four siblings since 2022,” he said.
He explained that he had worked for a fuel distribution company, but his contract was not renewed.
“Because of my family situation, I had to look for work. This opportunity came through,” he said.
The Don said communication with recruiters was via WhatsApp and email, and despite being a software developer, he was employed as a data capturer.
“Even though accommodation and food were provided, the conditions were bad. My first red flag was when my visa was organised after I had already arrived. We were also transferred through different vehicles, about 30, before reaching our destination,” he said.
He added that they were not allowed to contact their families and were frequently punished. “Because of my rebellious behaviour, I was fined and punished most of the time.
The breakthrough came when one person died, and the place was surrounded by the military and the police. The facility was shut down, and we were rescued.”
Gauteng Social Development’s trafficking in persons (TIP) co-ordinator, Takalani Sekoba, explained that trafficking is confirmed through three key elements: recruitment, transportation and exploitation.
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He warned that the risk increases during periods like the back-to-school season, when many are also seeking employment.
In terms of Section 4 of the Trafficking in Persons Act 7 of 2013, human trafficking is defined as the recruitment, transportation, transfer, harbouring or receipt of persons through force, coercion, abduction, fraud, deception, abuse of power or vulnerability, for the purpose of exploitation.
Exploitation includes, but is not limited to, sexual exploitation, forced labour, slavery or practices similar to slavery, servitude and the removal of organs.
Human trafficking is often described as modern-day slavery and involves the buying and selling of people, including children, for financial gain. It is a violation of human rights, affects all races, ages, genders and nationalities, and remains a largely hidden crime due to its complexity.
Warning signs of trafficking:• Recruitment processes without formal contracts or verifiable company details;• Interviews done exclusively online, with no physical office verification;• Offers that include fully paid travel, accommodation and rapid departure;• Pressure to make immediate decisions or keep the opportunity confidential.
The government is intensifying awareness campaigns to warn communities about deceptive recruitment tactics.Community members, parents,teachers and faith-based organisations are urged to verify all overseas employment opportunities before making any travel arrangements.
Suspicious job offers or potential trafficking cases can be reported to the Trafficking in Persons Resource Hotline on 0800 222 777, the GBV Command Centre on 0800 428 428 (available 24 hours), or to the SAPS.
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