Even without human trafficking law, government has sufficient authority and mechanism to deal with trafficking of women and children as a result of South Africa hosting the 2010 FIFA Soccer World Cup, Minister for Women, Children and Persons with Disabilities said in Midrand today.
Minister Mayende-Sibiya and Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga were receiving a memorandum from hundreds of marchers in Midrand demanding that Government takes action to stop human trafficking.
The march was organised by the Justice and Peace Commission of the Catholic Church and other youth and women organisations demanding that Parliament passes the Prevention and Combating of Trafficking in Persons Bill for immediate implementation. Minister Mayende-Sibiya said government is very concerned about the challenge of human trafficking particularly of women and children for various forms of exploitation including prostitution.
She said it was impossible to finalise and implement the Prevention and Combating of Trafficking in Persons Bill within the 19 days left before the kick-off. She said this was due to the processes that need to be followed, including public participation process, in the finalising of a bill to an Act of Parliament and putting it into effect.
“This piece of legislation will certainly strengthening our capacity to deal with cases of human trafficking. However, it does not mean that without it, government is powerless to protect women and children from these violations,” said Minister Mayende-Sibiya. She said there has already been a breakthrough at the Durban Regional Court where two people, one South African and the other from Thailand, were convicted for human trafficking for the purpose of sexual exploitation.
“The state used racketeering laws related to sexual exploitation including the Sexual Offences Act to convict these two. This case should set precedence for other prosecutors and courts to act firmly on these cases,” said Minister Mayende-Sibiya. She said the Children’s Act which came into effect last month gives the state more authority to protect children. “The Children’s Act provides for the prevention and combating of trafficking in children and attempts to protect and assist the victims of trafficking, with full respect for their human rights,” said Minister Mayende-Sibiya. She reported to the marchers about the security plans that government has put in place to protect particularly women and children.
“The SADC Regional Security Plan has been finalised and cooperation between our law enforcement agency and that several other countries is underway. Border security covering points of entry by land, sea and air is in place and passport control measures have been improved to deal with fraudulent traveling documents.
“Government has put in place plans to prevent and deal with cases of abuse of children that may arise as result of the hosting the 2010 FIFA Soccer World Cup. The plans of government include raising community awareness about the risks and establishing care centres and other support services for children in host cities and public viewing areas. “Social-work professionals will be deployed at public viewing areas and in all host cities. Interventions include establishing joint national and provincial command centres and ensuring that child and youth care centres are able to receive emergency referrals and placements and have 24-hour services available.
“Justice system has dedicated courts and the South African Police Service personnel are also trained to ensure that the best protection is provided to children,” said Minister Mayende-Sibiya.
Enquiries:
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Source:Department of Women, Children and Persons with Disabilities
