Nel launches anti-trafficking task teams at ports of entry
New local task teams and a policy framework aim to tighten coordination at airports and harbours where trafficking syndicates operate.
Deputy Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development Andries Nel will launch Local Task Team Offices to support anti-trafficking efforts at ports of entry, along with a corresponding policy framework, at Cape Town International Airport on Wednesday, 30 July 2025. The event marks World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, observed globally on 30 July each year.
The launch is being held in partnership with the Western Cape Provincial Task Team, according to the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development. The department said the initiative is aimed at enhancing coordination and oversight among all relevant stakeholders to strengthen the prevention of trafficking in persons.
Why ports of entry
The department said ports of entry have been identified as strategic points vulnerable to trafficking syndicates. Strengthening resources at airports and harbours is crucial for intercepting trafficking activities and supporting victims, it said.
Trafficking in persons remains a serious human rights violation and a growing concern in South Africa, the department said. Ongoing cases involve sexual exploitation, forced labour and other forms of abuse, often targeting vulnerable groups such as women and children.
This year’s theme is: “Human Trafficking is Organised Crime - End the Exploitation.”
What the task teams will do
The Local Task Team Offices are intended to improve coordination and oversight among stakeholders working at ports of entry. The policy framework that accompanies them sets out how those efforts should be structured.
The department did not provide further detail on the number of offices, their locations or their budgets.
Why it matters
Trafficking cases often cross provincial and national borders, which means the response depends on cooperation between multiple agencies. By placing task teams at ports of entry, the department is signalling that airports and harbours are where interception and victim support need to be strongest.
For ordinary South Africans, the practical effect will depend on whether the new structures receive the staff and resources they need to operate. The department said the initiative is aimed at strengthening prevention, but it did not say how the task teams will be funded or how their performance will be measured.
“Human Trafficking is Organised Crime - End the Exploitation.”
The event is scheduled for 10h30 at the CIP Lounge at Cape Town International Airport. Media wishing to attend must confirm with Susan Mphuthi. Media enquiries can be directed to Terrence Manase, Ministry Spokesperson, on 082 338 6707.
What happens next
Wednesday’s launch will be followed by the operational rollout of the task teams and the policy framework. The department has not said when the offices will be fully staffed or how progress will be reported to the public.
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