CONGRATULATIONS
Congratulations to Corinne Sandenbergh on receiving her Honorary Doctorate from United Graduate College and Seminary International.
We are proud to consider you as an honorary doctor for your service to humanity and being a model of excellence.
The Stop Trafficking of People NPC family could not be any prouder! What an achievement!
WESTERN CAPE
Human Trafficking Campaign – Overstrand Municipality
The Western Cape Minister of Social Development (DSD), Jaco Londt, joined Overstrand Municipality’s Mayor Annelie Rabie and A21 met at a trafficking in persons awareness event.
The month before, DSD held a joint awareness campaign in Cape Town for World Day Against Trafficking in Persons. After this, Mayor Rabie, expressed her interest in doing a similar campaign in the Overstrand.
It is vital to raise awareness around trafficking in people. While it might seem shocking that anyone in today’s world could still be a victim of child labour, sex trade, and human trafficking it remains a stark reality in almost every country.
There is also a dire need for subsidised substance abuse programmes in the Western Cape, as drugs often play a central role in human trafficking. Adequate funding remains an ongoing challenge, which we need to address as partners in government, the NGO sector, and communities said Rabie.
Earlier this month a group of alleged trafficking victims (minors) were illegally brought into the Western Cape in a truck. DSD assisted the South African Police Service in safely transporting the children back to their home country from the embassy in that region.
Last month the Department also worked with the police when a bus with undocumented adults and children arrived in Paarl. DSD immediately stepped in to see to the needs of the children and ensure they got home safely.
There is a great deal happening in the “trafficking” world that the public are unaware of. Trafficking takes many forms, but almost always targets the vulnerable individuals such as children, those living in poverty or persons with disabilities.
“That is why we must continue raising awareness about trafficking so that more people know about it, know where to report it and the support services available for those who have been trafficked. DSD social workers work with registered shelters to provide the necessary psychosocial support services to trafficking victims, to help them heal and feel safe again” said Londt.
Strong Schools
We have joined hands with Strong Schools and will collaborate next year by visiting their schools on a regular basis to present our programmes.
We will fit into the Strong Schools programmes to uplift children and their communities. They established Well-being Hubs in their Schools. It is their vehicle through which they support programs and projects in their Schools, enhancing well-being of the mind, body, soul and spirit.
