Pretoria, 30 July 2026 – As South Africa marks World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, the Department of Social Development (DSD) is urging South Africans, particularly young people, to be vigilant against fake online job offers used by human traffickers. This year's global theme, "Trapped Behind the Scam," highlights how organised criminal syndicates use fraudulent employment opportunities, mainly advertised on social media, to lure victims into forced criminality.
According to the DSD's Trafficking in Persons Manager, Mr Buti Kulwane, an increasing number of young South Africans have been trafficked to scam compounds in Myanmar after accepting what appeared to be legitimate job offers in Thailand. Instead of employment, victims are taken across the Thailand-Myanmar border and forced to participate in cyber-enabled financial crimes under abusive conditions.
Since 2024, several groups of South African victims have been rescued and returned home. The Department, together with partners including DIRCO, SAPS, DPCI, the Border Management Authority, the Department of Home Affairs and civil society organisations, provides psychosocial support, family reunification and reintegration services to survivors.
Victims have reported being promised attractive salaries, free travel and overseas employment, only to be subjected to long working hours, intimidation, violence and debt bondage. Many are also coerced into recruiting friends and family, enabling traffickers to expand their criminal networks.
The Department encourages young people to verify all overseas job opportunities, research employers and recruitment agencies, consult family members and avoid relying solely on information shared on social media.
Parents, caregivers, educators, and communities are urged to discuss the dangers of online recruitment scams with young people and help raise awareness about human trafficking. Anyone who suspects human trafficking or exploitation should report it immediately to SAPS by calling 10111 or contact the Gender-Based Violence Command Centre (GBVCC) on 0800 428 428.
The Department remains committed to working with its partners through the National Intersectoral Committee on Trafficking in Persons (NICTIP) to prevent trafficking, protect victims and strengthen awareness campaigns across the country.
ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
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