WATCH: Residents say no to human trafficking with silent march
Community takes a stand against human trafficking.
Avion Park was the starting and finishing point of the silent protest walk against modern-day slavery and human trafficking, on Saturday.
The walk was organised by the A21 organisation in conjunction with Kaleido Community Church and City Gate Recordings from Midrand.
A21, which stands for Abolishing Slavery in the 21st Century, is a non-profit organisation with the goal of ending modern-day slavery.
Over 400 people dressed in black T-shirts and with their mouths covered with yellow bandanas gathered for the walk.
“A21 has A-teams all over the world and today there are 1 600 walks happening globally, with 11 of the walks being in South Africa,” said Beninca Steyn, A-team leader in Kempton Park.
“We want to raise awareness for those who are trapped in slavery, sexual exploitation and forced labour.
“Every five hours a child goes missing in South Africa.
“We are walking for the voiceless and nameless.”
Steyn explained the reason behind the bandanas.
“We want to emphasise that we are the voice of the voiceless victims.
“The bandanas have the names Ivan, Eve and Amy because they are survivors of modern-day slavery and their stories can be read on our website, A21.org.
“Walk for Freedom is one of the campaigns we host. We are also involved in school education programmes and our task teams work with SAPS and the Hawks, among other forces, to rescue victims.
“Our focus is on safe houses and victim assistance units.”
Ward councillor Jaco Terblanche also joined in the 3.5km walk.
“This is a brilliant event. It is important to be part of the cleaning of the inner city,” said Terblanche.
“Organisations like A21 can help spread a clear message about human trafficking. Kempton Park is a good focus on this because we are near the airport.
“NGOs like A21 together with the police and the metro need to join hands and clean the area properly.
“To help, when you see something, big or small, and you suspect that it could be slavery, report it and make sure that it is investigated.
“I congratulate Steyn, her husband, Kaleido Community Church, Kempton Park SAPS and other stakeholders for this successful event.
“I salute the Kempton Park community for coming out in numbers to support this initiative.”
Representing the Kempton Park SAPS was the station’s the head of visible policing, Col Steven Moodley.
“We are in full support because we found that there are young women who are being trafficked in the areas that we walked in,” said Moodley.
“These young women are forced into drugs and prostitution. Walks like these help create awareness about women who are held against their will.
“We will continue with such activities, which will also contribute towards building the economy.”
Steyn was pleased with the turnout.
“There are 480 people who registered for the walk. That is exceptional,” she said.
“We were looking at 200 people and we received way more and we truly appreciate that.
“This was the first walk in Kemton Park and it will be an annual event. We believe that if we work together as a community, we will have a bigger approach and reach.”
