Amy Fraser18 March 2024 | 12:41

Child trafficking epidemic grips SA: 'Stranger danger isn't sufficient'

The harsh reality dictates that teaching children about "stranger danger" is no longer sufficient, as many perpetrators are acquaintances or even family members.

Child trafficking epidemic grips SA: 'Stranger danger isn't sufficient'

Stuffed Animal, abandoned teddy bear / Pixabay: Topolinskimm 6083857 1280

Thabo Shole-Mashao interviews Tershia de Klerk, Founder and Managing Director of The Joseph Movement NPC.

Listen below.

Child trafficking cases reported to the National Hotline for Human Trafficking have nearly doubled recently from 2022 to 2023, shedding light on the haunting presence within our communities and streets.

The recent disappearance of 6-year-old Joshlin Smith from Saldanha Bay has captured media attention, as her whereabouts remain unknown almost a month after she vanished.

Three individuals, including the child’s mother, Kelly, are facing charges of kidnapping and human trafficking.

Regrettably, South Africa ranks seventh globally in kidnapping incidents, which encompass human trafficking cases, as noted by de Klerk.

However, de Klerk emphasises that statistics can never be entirely accurate, particularly with human trafficking, as it remains a "hidden crime," often overshadowed by other offences.

In contrast to common perceptions, de Klerk clarifies that human trafficking extends beyond mere transportation of individuals; it can involve the sale of children for sexual exploitation within homes.

The harsh reality dictates that teaching children about "stranger danger" is no longer sufficient, as many perpetrators are acquaintances or even family members.

Consequently, de Klerk advocates for the implementation of programmes in schools and urges the government to incorporate human trafficking education into the curriculum to empower children with the necessary tools and knowledge to safeguard themselves.

"South Africa actually stands at number seven globally when it comes to the kidnapping scale, which includes human trafficking cases."
- Tershia de Klerk, Founder and Managing Director – The Joseph Movement NPC
"Seventh is quite extreme."
- Tershia de Klerk, Founder and Managing Director – The Joseph Movement NPC
"We have to teach our children about what is a safe person and a non-safe person."
- Tershia de Klerk, Founder and Managing Director – The Joseph Movement NPC

Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the interview.