Sex workers ask for decriminalisation

Sex workers marched through the streets of Tzaneen calling for the decriminalisation of their industry on Thursday, March 3.
The demonstration was part of celebrating International Sex Workers’ Rights’ Day, which was commemorated globally.
They started their campaign from the railway line (behind CTM), to the Greater Tzaneen Municipality (GTM) offices.
The objective of the event was to create awareness for the rights of sex workers.
People taking part in the march carried plackards with messages such as ‘sex work is work’, ‘sex work is real work’ and ‘stop violence against sex workers’.

They were also chanting songs such as ‘we are ready for decri’, short for decriminalisation.
The event was organised by the Hlokomela Hoedspruit Training Trust, an organisation which runs a sex work programme.
They locate sex workers at hot spots such as on the streets, brothels and taverns and provide them with clinical services.
They strive to prevent new infections of HIV, STI’s and TB among sex workers in the Mopani district.
Their professional nurses test the workers for sexual diseases and also supply them with treatment.

Also read: Prostitution rife in Tzaneen’s CBD

Stakeholders including Sisonke Sex Workers’ Movement in Limpopo, Choice Trust, Nacosa and HTT, all of whom attended the march.
“We are people, just like everybody else.
“Our job puts food on the table, we pay school fees and feed our families.
“We should be allowed to work without being violated by the police and the community,” explained Linda Dumba, Sisonke provincial coordinator.

Also read: Life after prostitution in Tzaneen: Walking a new path

According to Amanda Mgimeti, Hlokomela advocacy officer, the event was successful as it received the attention they needed from the public.
For more information on the work that Hlokomela (a NPO) do, visit their Facebook page or call Antoinette Ngwenya on 082 560 0248 or Amanda Mgimeti on 079 451 2608.