Charity tea held to fight human trafficking
Over R10 000 was raised at a charity tea, themed “Pretty in Pink”, which was held towards the fight against human trafficking.
The event was held on Saturday November 2, at the St Dominics Church Hall.
Funds raised are to be donated to A21, which is a campaign that prevents human trafficking through awareness and education in schools, orphanages, and universities.
Through the campaign, potential victims of trafficking are educated, and young people are equipped with strategies to avoid becoming a victim.
Organiser of the tea, Chantal Tewitz, says one cannot know about the problem of human trafficking and do nothing about it.
Tewitz is involved in raising funds and awareness on the issue through various fundraising initiatives.
“This is an issue that is very close to my heart, because it is not spoken about, however, people need to know about it,” she says.
A toiletry drive was also part of the event, where guests brought toiletries for girls who have been rescued, and are now in safe houses around Gauteng.
Diane Wikinson, from the National Freedom Network, an organisation which unites anti-slavery efforts in South Africa, says the younger the person, the higher the price for their purchase.
“Human trafficking is modern-day slavery, which is the buying and selling of people for exploitation such as sex, labour and drug trafficking,” says Wilkinson.
Wilkinson says through the network, people around the country who are involved in fighting the struggle against human trafficking, are linked to create stronger alliances.
“We also bridge the gap between government and society, and have provincial networks with points of contact in each province,” she says.
Entertainment included dance items, and a clip on human trafficking left the audience teary-eyed.
Tewitz says every year she will host a different fundraising event towards this cause.
