MBOMBELA-This week is South African Human Trafficking Week and countrywide organisations like the A21 campaign and the South African National Human Trafficking Resource Line are introducing projects to create awareness and empower vulnerable groups like children against human traffickers.

Have you ever thought about empowering your child against being tied up by human traffickers if they are grabbed in a shopping mall? Watch how you can teach them at home to use their shoelaces to break cable ties.

https://youtu.be/HBy3a-hazHo

Empowering someone at home by making them aware of all the possible dangers is but one way of gaining more peace of mind but real empowerment also lies in a South African National Human Trafficking Resource Line that was introduced in September and which has already led to survivor assistance!

After enduring years of abuse and exploitation by a man who promised to take care of her, a brave survivor finally managed to escape. Law enforcement and a local NGO connected her with the South African National Human Trafficking Resource Line.

They are looking forward to assisting her on a path to restoration and independence. According to the 2016 Trafficking In Persons Report, 11 sex traffickers have been convicted and five suspected sex traffickers prosecuted in 2015 with three convictions and 19 prosecutions in 2014 in South Africa.

A new national resource line operated by global counter-trafficking organisation The A21 Campaign, will cater to people with questions about human trafficking. The national line will be able to take calls 24/7 and tip-offs.

The national human trafficking resource number is 0800 222 777. More information about the resource line can be found at: www.0800222777.org.za

* Also read: Human trafficking trial regarding baby trade, postponed

* For more information on empowering yourself against human trafficking in the Lowveld, join the Iris Dignity Group on Facebook