4 days ago
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.
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