Children renounce trafficking

Children from Restless Development, a youth-centred organisation, have called upon the government to provide more resources in border towns to curb child trafficking and prostitution.

Children are drawn to South Africa and Botswana by the promise of wealth, but many get caught up in trafficking in the process.
Children are drawn to South Africa and Botswana by the promise of wealth, but many get caught up in trafficking in the process.

Speaking to journalists who were on a tour organised by UNICEF, the children said that because of the proximity to the border children are in danger of human trafficking.

"Many people have disappeared after they have been wooed by strange people," said Andrew.

Living so close to neighbouring Botswana means that the children are tempted to cross the border in search of greener pastures.

"Many of the children do not understand the importance of school. They think that life begins in South Africa and so instead of completing their education they end up going to South Africa or Bostwana," said Patience.

The absence of parental care due to AIDS-related illnesses means that the majority of households are child-headed.

"The government should do something to ensure that children go to school by providing school fees for the orphaned so that they will not cross the border or become prostitutes," said Charity.

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