The issue of human trafficking was highlighted on Saturday morning when close to 100 women marched through the streets of Langa with placards and banners.
March organiser Nomthunzi Jacob said human trafficking was a major problem in communities.
“Young women and children are often lured to false jobs and end up working as sex slaves. We are now educating the community about this form of slavery and gender abuse,” she said.
The walk was attended by residents from the neighbouring Bonteheuwel community, the Embo Initiation Association and Langa Safety Patrols.
Ms Jacob said it did not help to play human trafficking down or to ignore the stories people told from their lived experiences.
“The stories you hear from human trafficking victims are very sad. Others have been forced into traditional marriages without their consent,” she said.
Last year the march was attended by representatives from Embrace Dignity, an organisation founded by Nozizwe Madlala-Routledge in 2010 to advocate for the abolitionist Equality Law, to address the exploitation of women and girls by the system of prostitution.
“There are reports of job interview scams around the country, where people desperate for jobs are lured into human trafficking dens.
“Many of these job scams are advertised on social media as modelling or acting opportunities,” said Ms Jacob.
She said they will continue raising awareness in Langa and beyond.
She said parents must be careful because trafficking is on the rise.
“Keep an eye on your children,” she said.
