South Africa
South Africa is a source, transit, and destination country for men, women, and children trafficked for the purposes of sexual exploitation and forced labour.
Prevention:
The South African government works with the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) to coordinate the Southern African Counter-Trafficking Assistance Programme (SACTAP), which
aims to support and develop the capacity of government and civil society groups. Oasis South Africa, under the banner of STOP THE TRAFFIK, provides training on tackling human trafficking,
and also works with local schools and community organisations to raise awareness.
Prosecution:
South Africa does not have legislation that directly addresses human trafficking. However, the South African Law Reform Commission (SALRC) is proposing comprehensive legislation to address
human trafficking. The Sexual Offences Act and the Children’s Act No.38 of 2005 implicitly condemn human trafficking, but they do not mandate specific sanctions.
Protection:
SACTAP provides assistance to human trafficking victims through a regional network of service providers. The IOM also runs a victim helpline and works with other organisations and research
institutes to publish monthly human trafficking statistics.
Developments:
The Combating of Trafficking in Persons Bill is being proposed by the SALRC, providing specific sanctions for offenders, including up to two years imprisonment for individuals who procure
services from victims.