Lerato Kganyago gets real about human trafficking in SA

Lerato Kganyago is raising awareness about human trafficking in South Africa.

The media personality says the country has "officially become a source country for human trafficking and it’s getting worse".

Lerato says scores of women have already gone missing during the lockdown.

"South Africa is considered to be on the “Tier 2 Watchlist” for human trafficking. At least A MILLION kids are trafficked each year. Our government is not doing enough," she tweeted. 

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Lerato urged women to always let their family and friends know about their whereabouts. 

"When you request for an Uber/Taxify take a screen shot of the driver's details, the plates included. If seated at the back ensure the doors don’t have child lock. Otherwise, sit in the front where you are more visible," she advised. 

The 38-year-old added that women should even go as far as rinsing their glasses whenever they go out drinking. 

"Buy a bottle of water and THOROUGHLY RINSE the glasses yourselves.... especially in a night club!

"Ladies on a night out!!! ALWAYS leave in a group. Have fun but drink RESPONSIBLY. DO NOT TAKE DRINKS from strangers! FYI, SOME bartenders are paid to spike your drinks. If you can, rather buy a sealed drink and open it up yourselves..." she tweeted. 

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Lerato also encouraged women to look out for each other.

"Don’t leave your intoxicated friend behind...You came with her, YOU LEAVE with her!!!! Take care of each other!!!"

Human traffic victims are often trafficked for sexual exploitation, body parts, forced marriage, labour, slavery, and crime.  

While many people are taken against their will, some traffickers lure potential victims with promises of attractive jobs in another province or country. 

According to the United Nations, "women make up 49% and girls 23% of all victims of trafficking". 

The organisation says most people are trafficked within their own country.

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Main image courtesy of Instagram/@leratokganyago