There is concern that the extent of human trafficking in the Western Cape is more severe than statistics show.  

This was brought to light by Social Development MEC, Jaco Londt, during a Human Trafficking Conference hosted by the West Coast District Municipality in Moorreesburg last week.  

The theme of the conference was “Global Crisis, Local Action: A Community United Against Trafficking”, with the aim of bringing together local government, justice officials, and community leaders in the bid to address human trafficking in the province.  

The engagement emphasised the importance of awareness and community partnership in addressing trafficking, “highlighting the need for unity, vigilance, and cooperation across all sectors”. 

This sentiment was reiterated by West Coast Deputy Executive Mayor Sandra Crafford, who vowed that the municipality would do what it could to combat crime. 

“This risk within our communities can only be addressed through collaborative effort.” 

Speaking to statistics, Londt shared that 11 trafficking survivors were assisted through DSD-funded shelters this year, adding that it represents “only the tip of the iceberg”.  

He further explained that many victims are “unseen and unheard”, especially in communities where awareness of trafficking is lacking. 

“Trafficking thrives where people are unaware of the risks and warning signs,” said Londt. 

As such, he stressed the need for vigilance and public education, saying awareness was the province’s “first line of defence”. 

He referred to the case of Joshlin Smith from Saldanha Bay (who is yet to be found after disappearing in February last year), noting that the National Prosecuting Authority’s Advocate Zelda Swanepoel was also a speaker at the conference, to share her insights on that case and its impact.  

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Londt noted that the case brought to light the realities of human trafficking in local, especially rural, communities.  

In a statement by the West Coast District Municipality, it committed to developing a “District Action Plan”, as part of its Community and Rural Safety Plan, to promote awareness, prevention and coordinated responses to trafficking across departments and organisations. 

“This plan will be shared with relevant departments for further input and collaboration, ensuring that the fight against human trafficking remains a united, community-driven effort,” read the statement.