Stakeholders as catalyst to human trafficking: A case study of three selected areas of Gauteng province, South Africa

Transnational crime with its perpetual impact has been substantially explored in research. Stakeholder organisations’ involvement as catalyst towards secondary victimisation of human trafficking victims is generally an afterthought for several organisations and individuals in South Africa. There is...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Morero M Motseki, Jacob T Mofokeng
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Taylor & Francis Group 2020-01-01
Series:Cogent Social Sciences
Subjects:
Online Access:http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/23311886.2020.1825057
Description
Summary:Transnational crime with its perpetual impact has been substantially explored in research. Stakeholder organisations’ involvement as catalyst towards secondary victimisation of human trafficking victims is generally an afterthought for several organisations and individuals in South Africa. There is almost no knowledge on stakeholders’ involvement as catalyst in the process of perpetuating human trafficking in the Gauteng Province, South Africa. Thus, the victims suffer from the double jeopardy, as they suffer first, in the hands of perpetrators, and secondly, by stakeholder organisations. This article examines the contribution of stakeholders in the process of exploitation of victims of human trafficking in the Gauteng Province, South Africa. A qualitative research approach was adopted, to explore corruptive practices by stakeholders in the process of providing safety and security services in cognisance to human rights of victims in the study area. The findings collected through semi-structured interviews with a total number of 36 participants comprising South African Police Service (SAPS) Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) officials, members of Department of Social Development (DSD); members of Department of Home Affairs (DHA), and members of Department of Social Development (DSD); suggest that stakeholders remain indifferent to violating human rights of victims. Stakeholders have thus acted as catalyst for increased secondary exploitation of victims. Stakeholder engagement in anti-trafficking policy implementation and service responses are insufficient because of the lack of integrated approach, to adequately implement policy and promote cooperative strategic partnerships. Together, these findings suggest that all relevant stakeholder organisations should assist in minimising the challenge of victim victimisation.
ISSN:2331-1886