Modern slavery and human trafficking is happening in our neighbourhoods. It’s happening right now.
Recently, I came across a disturbing list of over 30 “companies” operating in South Africa – all advertising fake jobs to kidnap and hijack unsuspecting victims. What struck me most wasn’t just the number, but how many of these operations continue to function, preying on people who are simply looking for an opportunity to make a living. By the time authorities get involved, the damage has often already been done.
This is the reality of modern slavery in South Africa and around the world. It doesn’t look like what we imagine. There are no chains or auction blocks. Instead, it hides behind job advertisements, recruitment agencies, romantic relationships, and promises of a better future.
The Face of Modern Trafficking
When we think of human trafficking, many of us picture dramatic kidnappings- someone snatched off the street by strangers. Yes it does happen like that but that’s not how it usually works. The truth is far more insidious.
Trafficking often looks like:
- A legitimate job offer at a restaurant, salon, or factory
- A modelling or entertainment opportunity
- A scholarship or educational programme
- A romantic relationship that gradually becomes controlling
- A friend or family member offering “help” to find work
These situations begin with trust. They look normal. They feel like opportunities. And that’s exactly what makes them so dangerous.
Organised Crime, Not Random Acts
Modern slavery in South Africa and around the world is not the work of lone criminals acting on impulse. It is sophisticated, organised crime. Criminal syndicates have refined their methods, creating networks that:
- Use fake company registrations and professional-looking websites
- Place convincing advertisements on legitimate job platforms
- Conduct “interviews” that seem entirely normal
- Exploit legal loopholes and bureaucratic delays
- Move victims quickly across provincial or national borders
- Use fear, debt bondage, and isolation to maintain control
These operations are businesses. They calculate risk. They target vulnerability. And they operate in plain sight.
South African-Specific Risk Factors
Our context creates particular vulnerabilities that traffickers actively exploit:
Poverty and Unemployment
With unemployment hovering above 30%, desperate job seekers are willing to take risks they might otherwise avoid. When you need to feed your family, a job offer that seems “too good to be true” might be a risk you’re willing to take.
False Job Offers
Advertisements promise domestic work in Johannesburg, retail positions in Cape Town, or farm work in rural areas. The “employer” might even pay for transport, making it seem generous rather than sinister. Victims often only realise the truth when they arrive – far from home, without resources, and completely isolated.
Fake Scholarships and Training Programmes
Young people are particularly vulnerable to offers of education or skills training, especially when combined with promises of accommodation and stipends. These schemes lure students into situations where they become trapped in forced labour or sexual exploitation.
Border Exploitation
South Africa’s position as a regional economic hub means traffickers also target migrants from neighbouring countries, exploiting their vulnerability and lack of legal documentation to trap them in exploitative situations.
Community Trust Networks
Traffickers often use people from the same community, church, or ethnic group to build trust. When someone who looks like you, speaks your language, and shares your background offers help, it’s natural to trust them.
Warning Signs We Must Learn to See
Modern slavery hides in plain sight because we’re not trained to see it. These red flags should prompt questions:
In Job Offers:
- No physical address or vague location details
- Requests for ID documents before meeting in person
- Promises of unusually high salaries for low-skilled work
- Pressure to decide immediately or travel urgently
- Requests to pay “processing fees” or “registration costs”
- Communication only through WhatsApp or social media
- Reluctance to provide company registration details
In Relationships and Social Settings:
- Someone who seems controlled by another person
- Workers who can’t leave their workplace or live on-site
- People who don’t have their own identity documents
- Signs of physical abuse or fear
- Inability to speak freely or make eye contact
- Always accompanied by the same person who speaks for them
In Our Communities:
- Businesses that operate odd hours with covered windows
- Houses with unusual numbers of people coming and going
- Workers who appear malnourished or poorly clothed
- Children not attending school despite being school-age
- People who seem fearful of authorities or avoid public spaces
The Reality of Authority Response
Here’s a hard truth: authorities often don’t act until damage has been done. This isn’t always due to negligence – resource constraints, jurisdictional complexities, and the sophistication of trafficking networks all play a role. But the result is the same: victims suffer while systems catch up.
This is why awareness matters. This is why we, as communities, must become the first line of defence.
What We Can Do
If You’re Job Seeking:
- Research companies thoroughly before applying
- Verify company registration with CIPC (Companies and Intellectual Property Commission)
- Never pay fees to apply for jobs
- Meet in public places for interviews
- Tell someone where you’re going and share details
- Trust your instincts – if it feels wrong, it probably is
- Keep copies of all communications and advertisements
If You See Something:
- Report suspicious job advertisements to the platform hosting them
- Contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline: 0800 222 777
- Reach out to organisations like A21, Stop Trafficking of People (STOP), or local NGOs
- Don’t confront suspected traffickers – this puts you and victims at risk
- Document what you can safely observe
In Our Communities:
- Educate young people and vulnerable community members about trafficking tactics
- Create support networks for job seekers
- Share verified job opportunities and warn about suspicious ones
- Advocate for stronger enforcement and victim protection
It’s Happening Here. It’s Happening Now.
The person who disappears after responding to a job ad. The domestic worker who never has a day off. The young woman at the salon who seems afraid. The construction worker who sleeps on-site and never seems to get paid.
These aren’t isolated incidents. They’re patterns. They’re people trapped in modern slavery, and they’re in our neighbourhoods.
Over 30 fake companies. How many victims? How many families shattered? How many dreams turned to nightmares?
We cannot wait for authorities to act. We must learn to see what’s hiding in plain sight. We must protect each other. We must refuse to let our desperation for opportunity make us – or our loved ones – vulnerable to those who would exploit it.
Modern slavery is real. It’s here. And it’s counting on us to look away. Don’t.
If you or someone you know may be a victim of trafficking, contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 0800 222 777. For more information about recognising and preventing modern slavery, visit beyondsalvation.co.za.
If you have information about fake job advertisements or suspected trafficking operations, please report them to the South African Police Service or share details with organisations working to combat trafficking.
John Thole is the voice behind Beyond Salvation, a blog that captures the highs and lows of life through faith, laughter, and honest reflection. With a passion for storytelling, technology, and spiritual growth, he creates content that resonates with seekers, believers, and anyone navigating life’s journey. Whether sharing personal insights, devotionals, or thought-provoking discussions, John aims to inspire, uplift, and spark meaningful conversations.
