Back To Basics : Preventing the Susceptibility of South African Youth and Children to Human Trafficking through Basic Education

Abstract

In this article, we advocate for the inclusion of information about various aspects of human trafficking into South Africa's educational curriculum. As a cross-border crime, human trafficking has become a concern to policymakers and other stakeholders in South Africa. Although a global phenomenon, its extent and gruesome nature has led to the exploitation, traumatisation and untimely deaths of several people, particularly women and children. The impact of this crime has prompted numerous interventions from several actors across the globe. Humanitarian concerns have also engendered the introduction of the Prevention and Combating of Trafficking in Persons Act 7 of 2013, by the South African government. Unfortunately, this comprehensive legislation, and other efforts, have not assisted in combating the crime, given its rising waves lately. From the findings of doctoral research that was conducted through a qualitative approach, we found that most victims of trafficking, chiefly youths and children, do not have adequate understanding of what trafficking entails and the risks involved. The study also found that introducing modules on human trafficking into the educational curriculum will assist in consolidating the efforts of the State in reducing the supply end of the illicit trade.