COMPREHENSION TEST
Human Trafficking in South Africa
Human trafficking is a serious crime that affects millions of people
worldwide, including South Africa. It involves the use of force, fraud, or
coercion to exploit people for labor or commercial sex. According to the
International Labor Organization (ILO), there are approximately 40 million
victims of modern slavery worldwide, with thousands of them being
trafficked in South Africa.
South Africa is a source, transit, and destination country for human
trafficking. Women and children are the most vulnerable to trafficking, with
many being forced into prostitution, domestic servitude, or labor
exploitation. The traffickers often use false promises of employment,
education, or a better life to lure their victims.
The South African government has implemented various measures to combat
human trafficking. The Prevention and Combatting of Trafficking in Persons
Act (2013) provides for the prosecution of traffickers and the protection of
victims. The government has also established the National Human Trafficking
Hotline, which provides a 24-hour service for reporting suspected cases of
trafficking.
Despite these efforts, human trafficking remains a significant challenge in
South Africa. Corruption, poverty, and lack of awareness about trafficking
contribute to its persistence. It is essential for individuals, communities, and
organizations to work together to prevent trafficking and support its victims.
According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), human
trafficking is often linked to organized crime syndicates. These syndicates
use sophisticated methods to recruit and transport victims, making it
challenging for law enforcement agencies to detect and prosecute them.
To combat human trafficking effectively, it is crucial to address its root
causes, such as poverty, inequality, and social injustice. This requires a
comprehensive approach that involves government, civil society, and
individuals working together to create a society that values human rights
and dignity.
Questions:
1. State two reasons why human trafficking persists in South Africa. (2)
2. Explain the role of the National Human Trafficking Hotline in combating
human trafficking. (2)
3. What is the name of the act that provides for the prosecution of traffickers
and the protection of victims in South Africa? (1)
4. What are the three countries' roles in human trafficking, according to the
passage? (2)
5. Use your own words to explain the concept of human trafficking. (2)
6. State one way in which individuals can contribute to preventing human
trafficking. (1)
7. According to the UNODC, what is often linked to human trafficking? (2)
8. What are the three essential elements required to combat human
trafficking effectively, according to the passage? (2)
9. Name two vulnerable groups to human trafficking in South Africa. (2)
10. Explain the challenges faced by law enforcement agencies in detecting
and prosecuting human trafficking cases. (3)
11. Multiple Choice: Which of the following is NOT a measure implemented
by the South African government to combat human trafficking?
a) Establishment of the National Human Trafficking Hotline
b) Implementation of the Prevention and Combatting of Trafficking in Persons
Act
c) Reduction of poverty and inequality
d) None of the above
12. Discuss the relevance of the article to the current situation in South
Africa, providing reasons for your answer. (2)
13. Evaluate the suitability of the title "Human Trafficking in South Africa" for
the passage, providing three reasons for your answer. (3)
Study the following and then answer the questions that follow:
14. What is the primary issue highlighted in the map, and why is it a serious problem?
15. Define the word "exploitation" in your own words using context clues from the map.
16. Rewrite the following sentence in passive voice:
Traffickers exploit vulnerable people in many African countries.
17. Suggest one way African governments or international organizations could help reduce
human trafficking based on the information presented.
