Cape Town International Airport has this week become the first port of entry in South Africa to launch a dedicated Local Task Team (LTT POE) to combat human trafficking, coinciding with World Day Against Trafficking in Persons.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in the Western Cape welcomed the launch at one of the country’s busiest international gateways, with DA Spokesperson on Social Development Wendy Kaizer-Philander MPP delivering opening remarks at the critical occasion.
“Human trafficking is a complete violation of human rights and dignity. It is a betrayal of our shared humanity, and it is something we simply cannot allow to happen,” said Kaizer-Philander, who chairs the Standing Committee on Social Development.
Organized crime targets major gateway
Speaking at Cape Town International Airport, Kaizer-Philander emphasized the strategic importance of protecting major transport hubs from criminal exploitation.
“This week, standing at Cape Town International Airport – one of the busiest ports of entry in our country – we are reminded that while this gateway connects us to the world, it can also be targeted by traffickers who abuse this openness for criminal gain. However, the message is loud and clear: this port of entry will not be left unguarded.”
This year’s global theme, “Human Trafficking is Organized Crime – End the Exploitation,” resonates particularly strongly in the South African context, where trafficking operations are highly sophisticated and well-coordinated.
Alarming statistics reveal scope of crisis
The launch comes amid sobering statistics that highlight the scale of human trafficking in South Africa:
• 61% of trafficked victims are children
• 42% of all victims are young girls
• 74% of trafficking operations are linked to organised crime syndicates
• 230 lives were saved from trafficking situations last year alone
• 66 active cases are currently under investigation, involving 155 accused persons
Perhaps most shocking is the revelation that family members, including aunts and uncles, are sometimes the traffickers themselves. Trafficking destinations often include Europe and the Middle East, with victims subjected to forced labour, domestic servitude, and sexual exploitation.
Multi-Agency Response Strategy
The new Local Task Team will operate from key transport hubs, including airports and harbours, focusing on four critical areas:
• Improving coordination among law enforcement, immigration, and social services
• Preventing trafficking activities through enhanced monitoring
• Identifying and apprehending traffickers using intelligence-led operations
• Supporting victims with care and dignity through specialized services
The initiative forms part of a broader Policy Framework for ports of entry, designed to create comprehensive protection against trafficking networks.
Call for community vigilance
Kaizer-Philander stressed that combating human trafficking requires community involvement and multi-agency collaboration.
“There are still so many victims trapped and suffering in silence. Most will not come forward or be noticed unless someone spots the signs and speaks up. That’s why this type of multi-agency collaboration – between local, provincial, and national stakeholders – is so important.”
The DA spokesperson emphasized that the fight against trafficking extends beyond designated awareness days: “Let not just 30 July, but every day, be a reminder that human trafficking is everyone’s problem – and fighting it requires all of us. Together, we can end the exploitation and protect the vulnerable.”
The Western Cape’s proactive stance sends a clear message to criminal networks operating in the region. “Here in the Western Cape, we are saying: Not on our soil,” Kaizer-Philander declared.
The task team represents a significant step forward in addressing what experts describe as a well-planned, highly organized criminal enterprise that thrives where systems are weak and fragmented.
Help and support available
Anyone seeking help or wishing to report suspected trafficking can contact:
South African National Human Trafficking Resource Line: 0800 222 777
South African Human Rights Commission: 011 877 3600
South African Police Service: 08600 10111
DSD toll-free number: 0800 220 250 The launch of the Local Task Team at Cape Town International Airport marks a crucial milestone in South Africa’s fight against human trafficking, demonstrating that major
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