Media Advisory
20 October 2020
DEPUTY MINISTER FOR SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT HOSTS WEBINAR ON TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS
Pretoria, Gauteng: The Deputy Minister for Social Development, Ms Hendrietta Bogopane-Zulu, will host a Trafficking in Persons (TiP) webinar on Thursday, 22 October 2020, as part of the activities of Social Development Month.
During this month, which is commemorated under the theme: “Strengthening our response to recovery through DSD services,” the Department of Social Development mobilises all resources towards the improvement of social services for poor and vulnerable South Africans.
South Africa, as one of the signatories of the United Nations Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking Persons Especially Women and Children (Palermo) Protocol, is obliged to address human trafficking, enforce laws to punish offenders and provide support to victims.
The Prevention and Combating of Trafficking in Persons Act (2013) mandates DSD, together with other government departments, civil society with the support of the United Nations and other countries, to work tirelessly to prevent and fight against the violation of human rights. Human trafficking, as defined by the Act, includes forced marriages, sexual exploitation, forced labour, child labour and all forms of slavery.
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to an increase in cases of human trafficking. This is particularly due to the increased number of vulnerable persons who seek to secure an income. Victims of human trafficking are coerced and lured by promises of high-paying jobs.
The webinar will comprise, amongst other speakers, South African survivors of human trafficking and representatives from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime.
Media is invited to participate and cover the webinar as follows:
Date: Thursday, 22 October 2020
Time: 14H00
Link: To be provided upon RSVP
Members of the media can RSVP by contacting: Ms Makhosazana Mavuso on 072 732 9381 or on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Ms Nomfundo Xulu-Lentsoane on 066 480 6845 / This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
ISSUED BY THE NATIONAL DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
Media enquiries may be forwarded to Ms Lumka Oliphant on 083 484 8067 or e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
