Sandton: Participants at the 4th National Shelter Indaba, hosted by the Department of Social Development in partnership with the National Shelter Movement of South Africa, have emphasized the critical need for enhanced training for non-profit organizations (NPOs) working with victims of trafficking. The event, held in Johannesburg, focuses on improving support mechanisms for survivors, particularly by addressing cultural and language barriers.
According to South African Government News Agency, the discussions at the two-day event highlighted the various challenges faced by trafficking survivors, including emotional and psychological hurdles. Participants shared stories from both South Africa and the USA, illustrating the complex emotional ties that can form between victims and their traffickers, often rooted in traumatic childhood experiences. A participant from Mpumalanga province stressed the importance of tailoring support to meet the diverse needs of survivors from different countries, noting the additio
nal challenges posed by cultural differences and language barriers.
The discourse at the Indaba also covered the specific issues faced by undocumented survivors, who may experience further trauma through interactions with law enforcement. The lack of proper documentation often results in these victims facing arrest rather than receiving the needed support, underscoring the necessity for a system that prioritizes healing over punitive measures.
Buti Kulwane, the Social Work Policy Manager for Victim Empowerment and Gender-Based Violence at the Department of Social Development, provided a poignant overview of the sex trafficking issue, sharing distressing narratives about victims in South Africa and the USA. Kulwane’s presentation highlighted the crucial role of community support and persistent advocacy in aiding the recovery of trafficking victims. He detailed the psychological barriers that often hinder the recovery process, such as impaired cognitive functions and emotional regulation challenges, which can
complicate the survivors’ ability to engage in supportive environments.
Moreover, Kulwane spoke about the manipulation tactics used by traffickers, including exploiting vulnerabilities related to economic hardship and immaturity. He emphasized the importance of caregivers focusing on the strengths and resilience of survivors, helping them to rebuild trust and manage their emotions effectively.
The insights shared at the Indaba underscore the urgent need for specialized training and a compassionate approach to support trafficking survivors, ensuring they receive the necessary resources and advocacy to aid their recovery and integration back into society.