A successful programme, in honour of Trafficking in Persons Awareness Week, was recently held in iCare based in Lower Illovo.
This comes after October was designated as being Crime Prevention Month. The workshop was put together by the Amanzimtoti SAPS, Amanzimtoti Community Police Forum, the Liquor Authority, Sparrow Trust, and Turning Point – Qhakaza, to create awareness and restore safety. The force of the team unpacked several safety tips and skills to safeguard children who are most vulnerable from becoming victims. Homeless youth, abandoned children and runaways are just some of those who are affected. However, the team had come with a purpose and that was to empower and assist the boys living in the residential care facility. Merlene Matthew, chairperson of the Amanzimtoti CPF, said: “Human trafficking is a reality we face in our country that needs to be dealt with in an age appropriate manner.”
Estelle van Eeden of Sparrow Trust spoke about how the youth may be targeted, exploited or trafficked without leaving their home. She said: “As digital citizens we must be responsible and consider the importance of cyber safety.” Another very informative speaker was Ms Mndlolo, a volunteer social worker who emphasised the effects of drugs on the adolescent brain. “The consequences of drugs that are taken by youth creates harm as they engage in illegal activities,” added Mndlolo. Members from Turning Point – Qhakaza, Ms Dlamini and Mrs Pepu spoke on fostering healthy relationships, teenage dating violence, and gender-based violence and Ms Mbambo from the KZN Liquor Authority reinforced the importance of adolescents abstaining from alcohol consumption. The workshop was concluded by Mr Minya of Amanzimtoti SAPS by addressing the legal aspects of the various topics discussed by the role-players.
