Lerato Kganyago gets real about human trafficking in SA
"Thousands of women went missing during the lockdown, MOST have not been found yet," Lerato wrote on Twitter.
Lerato Kganyago is raising awareness about human trafficking in South Africa.
The media personality says the country has "officially become a source country for human trafficking and it’s getting worse".
Lerato says scores of women have already gone missing during the lockdown.
"South Africa is considered to be on the “Tier 2 Watchlist” for human trafficking. At least A MILLION kids are trafficked each year. Our government is not doing enough," she tweeted.
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South Africa is considered to be on the “Tier 2 Watchlist” for human trafficking. At least A MILLION kids are trafficked each year. Our government is not doing enough...
— leratokganyago (@Leratokganyago) September 14, 2020
Believe it or not South Africa has officially become a source country for Human Trafficking and it’s getting worse!
— leratokganyago (@Leratokganyago) September 14, 2020
Every hour a child or woman goes missing! Some are lucky to escape, most never make it! HUMAN TRAFFICKING IS REAL!
— leratokganyago (@Leratokganyago) September 14, 2020
Lerato urged women to always let their family and friends know about their whereabouts.
"When you request for an Uber/Taxify take a screen shot of the driver's details, the plates included. If seated at the back ensure the doors don’t have child lock. Otherwise, sit in the front where you are more visible," she advised.
The 38-year-old added that women should even go as far as rinsing their glasses whenever they go out drinking.
"Buy a bottle of water and THOROUGHLY RINSE the glasses yourselves.... especially in a night club!
"Ladies on a night out!!! ALWAYS leave in a group. Have fun but drink RESPONSIBLY. DO NOT TAKE DRINKS from strangers! FYI, SOME bartenders are paid to spike your drinks. If you can, rather buy a sealed drink and open it up yourselves..." she tweeted.
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Take care of yourselves, let someone know of your whereabouts. When you request for an Uber/Taxify take a screen shot of the drivers details, the plates included. If seated at the back insure the doors don’t have child lock. Otherwise sit in the front where you are more visible..
— leratokganyago (@Leratokganyago) September 14, 2020
Buy a bottle of water and THOROUGHLY RINSE the glasses yourselves.... especially in a night club!
— leratokganyago (@Leratokganyago) September 14, 2020
Ladies on a night out!!! ALWAYS leave in a group. Have fun but drink RESPONSIBLY. DO NOT TAKE DRINKS from strangers! FYI, SOME bar tenders are paid to spike your drinks. If you can, rather buy a sealed drink and open it up yourselves...
— leratokganyago (@Leratokganyago) September 14, 2020
Lerato also encouraged women to look out for each other.
"Don’t leave your intoxicated friend behind...You came with her, YOU LEAVE with her!!!! Take care of each other!!!"
Don’t leave your intoxicated friend behind...You came with her, YOU LEAVE with her!!!! Take care of each other!!!
— leratokganyago (@Leratokganyago) September 14, 2020
Human traffic victims are often trafficked for sexual exploitation, body parts, forced marriage, labour, slavery, and crime.
While many people are taken against their will, some traffickers lure potential victims with promises of attractive jobs in another province or country.
According to the United Nations, "women make up 49% and girls 23% of all victims of trafficking".
The organisation says most people are trafficked within their own country.