Hope for families of missing loved ones
'We wanted to make the biggest noise ... we could around South Africa, and ... help community members recover their lost loved ones.'
Human trafficking is a reality South Africans are faced with every day. Banners urging community members to help find their missing family members decorate websites and social media platforms.
Sivewright Street in Krugersdorp is a concern as it has become notorious for human trafficking and drug dealing.
A National Human Trafficking Resource Line went live on social media on Tuesday, 30 August to assist existing anti-human trafficking and anti-drug organisations in Krugersdorp .
“We caused such a stir on social media! We look forward to working with people using technology as a resource. It is important to us to engage with younger clients through mediums they know how to use,” Rene Hanekom, spokesperson of the National Human Trafficking Resource Line said.
“We wanted to make the biggest noise, the biggest splash, the biggest impact we could around South Africa, and at the same time help community members recover their lost loved ones.”
Other organisations also held anti-drug campaigns this week to offer help to victims of human trafficking who have been forced to use drugs.
The Gauteng Department of Social Development hosted a training workshop to help substance abusers to recover. It emphasised the importance of aftercare in the treatment process and equipped drug users with skills to lead a drug-free lifestyle.
Photo: Bianca Pindral
The workshop was facilitated by popular kwaito musician, songwriter and actor Kabelo Mbalane (better known as Bouga Luv). Kabelo is also an ambassador for the Gauteng City Region (GCR) Anti-Substance Abuse Social Movement.
“The recovery process does not end when an individual completes the substance-abuse rehabilitation programme; the continuous support after the completion of the programme is the key to a healthy recovery from addiction,” said Phetoho Stephen Maja, spokesperson for the Gauteng Department of Social Development.
Also read:
• VIDEO: A tour of a drug house
• Whistle blower cleans out drug house
• Drug dealers and prostitutes thrown out in the street
