As the Portfolio Committee on Community Safety, we are honoured to be part of this important programme focusing on Trafficking in Persons, held here at the OR Tambo International Airport, a critical port of entry not only into South Africa and Gauteng, but indeed into the African continent and the world as a whole.
We are here today to lend our voice and our support to the collective fight against human trafficking, one of the most heinous and silent crimes of our time. This gathering forms part of Human Trafficking Awareness Month, and we commend the Chairperson of Committees for leading this initiative, together with ACSA and the various Civil Society Organisations who continue to work tirelessly in this space.
As an oversight committee responsible for monitoring Policing and Community Safety in our Province, we wish to express our deep appreciation to all the organisations and individuals who continue to raise awareness about this hidden scourge.
Many of these efforts may not make front-page headlines; they are not glamorous nor accompanied by flashing cameras, but they are profoundly important.
Every pamphlet distributed, every conversation held, and every person informed contributes to saving lives. No effort is too small in the fight against human trafficking.
We must also continue to unmask the many faces of trafficking, some of which are disguised as cultural or social practices.
One such example is ukuthwala, a practice that, while historically rooted in culture, has in some cases been distorted and used to justify forced marriages and the exploitation of young girls.
We must be brave enough to confront such practices where they infringe upon the rights and dignity of individuals, especially women and children.
Human trafficking robs people of their freedom, dignity, and humanity. It preys on vulnerability and thrives in silence. It is therefore crucial that we continue to educate our communities, empower our law enforcement, and strengthen collaboration between government, civil society and international partners.
Let us also remember that the fight against trafficking begins with awareness, by knowing the signs, speaking up, and refusing to look away.
Together, we can ensure that Gauteng, and indeed South Africa, becomes a Province and a Nation where no person is bought, sold or exploited.
In closing, I wish to thank once again the Chair of Chairs, ACSA, and all our Partners for enabling us to host this activation at this strategic location.
OR Tambo International Airport stands as a symbol of connection and opportunity, but today, it also stands as a symbol of vigilance, reminding us that we must guard every entry and exit point against those who seek to traffic in human misery.
Let us continue to shine a light in the dark corners where human trafficking hides. Because when we act together, we send a clear message: human trafficking has no place in our province, in our country or on our continent.
Thank you.
ISSUED BY GPL’S MEDIA SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON COMMUNITY SAFETY, HONOURABLE BANDILE MASUKU
