The taxi industry in Gauteng emerges as a key player in the battle against human trafficking, where traffickers often exploit public transportation systems for their heinous activities.
Godfrey Dolla, a taxi operator and member of the Greater Johannesburg Taxi Policing Forum, underscored the vital role played by the taxi industry during a two-day Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Seminar. The event took place at Anew Hotel Parktonian in Johannesburg on Wednesday, October 4, 2023.
This seminar, organized by the Gauteng Department of Social Development, united industry experts, including researchers, Trafficking in Persons Provincial Task Teams, social workers, and cluster departments. Their aim was to share critical insights regarding the evolving trafficking landscape in Gauteng Province.
During the seminar, Dolla voiced his commitment to this noble cause. He emphasized how human traffickers often exploit their taxis to transport victims and even engage specific drivers to facilitate these sinister operations.
Dolla stated, “This silent crime happens in our taxi ranks, our towns, and in our vehicles. Part of our intervention going forward is to promote the Trafficking in Persons Hotline [0800 222 777] through branding on our taxis and billboards within the taxi ranks. We want to raise awareness among our passengers.”
The taxi industry also plans to distribute pamphlets and organize community walkabouts in collaboration with stakeholders to strengthen their fight against human trafficking.
The seminar followed the theme, “Reach Every Victim of Trafficking and Leave No One Behind.” Globally, Trafficking in Persons Week is celebrated during the first week of October. The theme encourages stakeholders to assess and enhance prevention, and identify and support victims and survivors of TIP to end impunity.
Pearl Moabelo, Director of the Social Crime Prevention and Victim Empowerment Programme at the Gauteng Department of Social Development, highlighted Gauteng’s significance as an epicentre and transit province, primarily due to the presence of O. R. Tambo International Airport.
Moabelo explained, “The role of the Department is to raise awareness and ensure that we can accommodate victims who have been rescued, conducting assessments and providing necessary support.”
Moabelo stressed the importance of starting Trafficking in Persons prevention and awareness programs with the empowerment of all stakeholders. She emphasized the need for awareness of emerging trends and developments in the field to equip communities with relevant information while fighting this scourge.
The 2019 United Nations Report categorized South Africa under the TIER 2 Watch List. South Africa has consistently demonstrated significant efforts to meet anti-trafficking minimum standards despite its developing status.
