Latest news with #LoveJustice
The Citizen
6 days ago
- The Citizen
Walk for One raises R10K to help stop human trafficking
Walk for One raises R10K to help stop human trafficking Local churches joined forces to raise awareness and funds in the fight against human trafficking, completing a 10km beach walk that raised more than R10 000. Organised by Co Church and inspired by the global efforts of Love Justice International, the 'Walk for One' took more than 50 participants from Christmas Bay in Sheffield to Concha in Ballito. Love Justice is a non-profit organisation that combats human trafficking through transit monitoring – stationing staff at key transit points to intercept potential victims before they can be exploited. Operating in over 20 countries, they have intercepted more than 70 000 individuals and facilitated over 1 600 arrests. Co Church pastor Tamlyn Russell said the walk was a powerful demonstration of compassion in action. 'We have amazing people from Love Justice at our church – people supporting orphaned children and fighting trafficking. It's become such an energising thing to come together and help in whatever way we can,' said Pastor Tamlyn, who leads the Umhlali-based church alongside her husband Bevan. Funds raised on the day will be matched by a US sponsor, effectively doubling the impact and helping to prevent up to 13 trafficking incidents. 'We have freedom and the ability to speak up, while others no longer have a voice. Coming together to make a difference is a no-brainer,' she said. Love Justice representative Hannah Munn thanked all who supported the initiative. 'We are so grateful to everyone who showed up, donated, and walked with us. Special thanks to Bench Coffee for discounted drinks, Grace Church for walking with us, and every participant who helped raise awareness and hope,' said Munn. According to Saps, 13 human trafficking cases were recorded nationally in the first quarter of 2025, with one in KwaZulu-Natal. Josha Daniel of Rise Up Movement and the KZN Trafficking in Persons Task Team clarified the distinction between kidnapping and trafficking. While the two crimes often overlap in public perception, they are fundamentally different. Kidnapping typically involves the unlawful abduction of a person for ransom or revenge and is usually a one-time incident. Human trafficking, however, is an ongoing exploitation network including forced labour, sexual exploitation or illegal organ trading for profit. Victims are often recruited through fake job advertisements for domestic work, mining, hospitality and modeling and moved under false pretenses before being trapped in abusive circumstances. Stay in the loop with The North Coast Courier on Facebook, X, Instagram & YouTube for the latest news. Mobile users can join our WhatsApp Broadcast Service here or if you're on desktop, scan the QR code below. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading! Stay in the know. Download the Caxton Local News Network App Stay in the know. Download the Caxton Local News Network App here
IOL News
6 days ago
- General
- IOL News
Comrades Marathon athlete Marissa Groenewald - raising awareness for human trafficking - one skip at a time
Rope runner Marissa Groenewald will be skipping through the Comrades Marathon Image: Supplied Marissa Groenewald is bound to attract attention on Sunday when she skips her way to Durban from Pietermaritzburg during the Comrades Marathon. Groenewald, 41, from Hillcrest, known as the rope runner, will take on the gruelling 89.98km race while continuously skipping with her jump rope flicking the ground. This year marks the 98th edition of the Ultimate Human Race and is the 49th down run. She is making history while taking on this incredible feat for a cause that's close to her heart, Love Justice International. It is an organisation that is fighting against human trafficking. Love Justice specialises in transit monitoring, which means intercepting trafficking victims before they cross borders, bringing them back to safety and reuniting them with their families. "I witnessed the heartbreaking realities of human trafficking firsthand through my mother's work, where she dedicated herself to restoring dignity to women caught in trafficking in Asia. Her selfless work inspired me to use my platform to make a difference. "My goal is to raise R500 000, which will directly contribute to protecting lives from the horrors of human trafficking," she said. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad Loading While Groenewald attracts attention and stares from spectators, they will notice a QR code on a bib she will be wearing bearing the words Why Scan Here. The QR code will take people to the Love Justice International page to learn more about the cause and donate. "I have also started a crowdfunding page on Backabuddy," said the mother of two. Groenewald's taste of marathon rope running has been in the Cape Peninsula and the Two Oceans Marathons. "This is my third Comrades Marathon, but first time skipping and running. I will be starting at 5am with the wheelchair athletes. I get to lead the race for an hour at least before the rest of the athletes start. "I am just going for a finish and plan to reach the finish within 11 to 12 hours. Rope running is high intensity but significantly slower," she said. Groenewald took on skipping after suffering an injury about 18 months ago and was advised that a good way to keep fit was to skip. "I began running and skipping and after doing a kilometre I realised why no one else was doing it. You have to apply your mind and use your shoulders and back. Once I got my groove I grew in terms of distance and endurance. "I haven't hit anyone with my rope while running," she laughed. SUNDAY TRIBUNE
