THE pervasiveness of human trafficking in South Africa and the deceptive recruitment methods employed by those behind the crime have raised questions about the preventative steps that can be taken to protect potential victims, particularly young people who may be targeted by unscrupulous recruiters.

In the current difficult climate of a worryingly high unemployment rate, with the youth facing significant challenges with securing employment opportunities, these deceptive recruitment methods and the possibility of human trafficking are of particular concern.

In the first installment on the prevalence of human trafficking in the country, we spoke with experts who highlighted the modus operandi employed by some behind this crime.

These experts also spoke about deceptive recruitment methods, and how these may end up feeding into the human trafficking chain, while they also offered common warning signs that job seekers should look out for to avoid falling into the trap of deceptive recruitment. The signs can be read here.

We extend the conversation in this installment to an example that demonstrates why deceptive recruitment deserves much greater attention.

The alleged luring of young South Africans into the Russia-Ukraine war.

According to media reports, some South African men have been tricked into joining the ranks of a mercenary group active in the war.

Incidents of South Africans, including Kenyans and Zimbabweans, being recruited for work opportunities abroad only to end up in the war have emerged recently.

Academics and activists Dr Monique Emser, a UKZN senior lecturer, Discipline of Political Science, and chair of the NACSA4U Human Trafficking Working Group; Catherine Restiau of the National Freedom Network; and Advocate Liechen Strydom, from Liberation Legal Consulting and member of the NACSA4U Human Trafficking Working Group, said there have been a couple of high-profile cases of the alleged deceptive recruitment of young men who have ended up on the frontline of the Russia-Ukraine war.

Also read: Human trafficking a serious problem in South Africa

“The alleged modus operandi is indicative of the increasing role that facilitators play in deceptive recruitment. ‘Bait and switch’ tactics are not uncommon,” said Emser.

Restiau said the recent cases involving African nationals who reportedly travelled to Russia after being promised employment and subsequently became involved in military activities should be investigated carefully on their individual facts, including what was promised during recruitment, what documents were signed, whether the individuals understood the nature of the work, and whether deception, coercion or exploitation occurred.

Strydom advised that if something seems “too good to be true,” it probably is.

“Always verify before sharing personal documents, paying anything, or booking travel, whether for domestic or international opportunities. Use multiple independent sources,” said Strydom.

Check official South African channels:

• Contact the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) and its missions abroad, or the relevant foreign embassy/mission in South Africa, to ask about the legitimacy of the offer and visa/work requirements.
• Consult the Department of Employment and Labour (DoEL) about the agency or employer. Genuine (international) placements are typically arranged through formal channels, not random social media ads.
• For study-related opportunities, check with the Department of Higher Education and Training.

Furthermore, people should report suspicions to the SAPS or the National Human Trafficking Hotline (0800 222 777 (free, 24/7, confidential). The hotline can also help check legitimacy in some cases.

Other measures that can be taken:

• Research the company/agency thoroughly: Search the exact company name online. Look for an official website with a professional careers/vacancies page, physical address, landline, and consistent branding. Confirm the vacancy appears there (do not rely only on links sent to you).
• Check registration via the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) / BizPortal to confirm the company is “In Business,” note the directors and address, and match these to the people contacting you.
• For South African recruitment agencies, check membership of reputable bodies where applicable, and look for reviews on independent platforms (Google, LinkedIn, HelloPeter, etc.). Cross-check phone numbers and emails against the official website.
• Call the company’s published switchboard (found independently) and ask HR to confirm the vacancy and the recruiter’s identity. Never call only the number given in a WhatsApp/Facebook message.
• For sports organisations, check with the national federation or sports governing body to confirm that the agent, academy, or club is legitimate. Follow similar steps as if you were vetting a company.

Visa and contract checks:

• Confirm the correct work visa/permit requirements with the destination country’s official embassy or immigration authorities (not the recruiter). Tourist visas are not suitable for employment.
• Insist on a clear written employment contract in a language you understand, detailing duties, salary, conditions, and termination rights. Have it reviewed if possible.
• Discuss the offer with family or trusted people. Do not travel alone without leaving a detailed itinerary and contact information with a reliable person.
• Prefer established job platforms (e.g., PNet, Careers24, LinkedIn) or known agencies over unsolicited social-media approaches. Apply directly through official channels when possible.
• Never hand over your passport or original ID to a recruiter or “agent” before departure in a way that leaves you without control.
• Register travel plans where possible (e.g., via DIRCO’s Travel Smart app) and keep emergency contacts (the SA embassy/consulate in the destination country, family, and hotline numbers).

The experts warned that people should be especially wary of offers involving “security training,” “bodyguard work,” or similar in conflict-related contexts – these have featured in recent deceptive-recruitment cases.

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