South Africa, Mozambique top trafficking destinations

By Wezzie Gausi South Africa and Mozambique have emerged as the main destinations for Malawian youths affected by labour trafficking, according to a Labour Trafficking Prevalence Baseline Study. The study by the Centre on Human Trafficking Research and Outreach in partnership with the Centre for Social Research at the University of Malawi found that the two countries account for most reported cases of cross-border labour trafficking involving Malawian youths. Among respondents from Blantyre who experienced labour trafficking abroad, 90.08 percent reported South Africa as their destination while 7.3 percent reported Mozambique. In Mangochi, 70.27 percent reported South Africa while 28.65 percent reported Mozambique. The study highlights a migration corridor linked to exploitation, with victims reportedly ending up in domestic work, agriculture, manufacturing, construction and retail. "During the same period, cross-border labour trafficking prevalence was estimated at 65 percent in Blantyre and 75 percent in Mangochi among those who worked abroad in the past two years," the report says. Poverty, unemployment and limited economic opportunities are cited as key drivers, with many young people viewing migration as their best chance of improving their livelihoods. Director of Child Affairs in the Ministry of Gender, Children, Disability and Social Welfare, Justin Hamela, warned young people against accepting job offers without verifying their legitimacy. "This is a worrying trend and young people must be careful when dealing with individuals who promise them jobs outside the country," Hamela said. He said the government is working with neighbouring countries to strengthen efforts to prevent trafficking and protect victims. He added that most cases involve youths from Mangochi, Blantyre and other border districts. The study also found that young people who migrate without relatives, friends or trusted contacts in destination countries face a higher risk of exploitation. It further linked labour trafficking to economic hardship, noting that those struggling to meet basic needs such as food, clothing and medical care are more vulnerable. The researchers recommend strengthening economic empowerment programmes, improving access to financial services and expanding employment opportunities for young people to address the root causes of trafficking.

WIRE — By Wezzie Gausi South Africa and Mozambique have emerged as the main destinations for Malawian youths affected by labour trafficking, according to a Labour Trafficking Prevalence Baseline Study. The study by the Centre on Human Trafficking Research and Outreach in partnership with the Centre for Social Research at the University of Malawi found that the two countries account for most reported cases of cross-border labour trafficking involving Malawian youths. Among respondents from Blantyre who experienced labour trafficking abroad, 90.08 percent reported South Africa as their destination while 7.3 percent reported Mozambique. In Mangochi, 70.27 percent reported South Africa while 28.65 percent reported Mozambique. The study highlights a migration corridor linked to exploitation, with victims reportedly ending up in domestic work, agriculture, manufacturing, construction and retail. "During the same period, cross-border labour trafficking prevalence was estimated at 65 percent in Blantyre and 75 percent in Mangochi among those who worked abroad in the past two years," the report says. Poverty, unemployment and limited economic opportunities are cited as key drivers, with many young people viewing migration as their best chance of improving their livelihoods. Director of Child Affairs in the Ministry of Gender, Children, Disability and Social Welfare, Justin Hamela, warned young people against accepting job offers without verifying their legitimacy. "This is a worrying trend and young people must be careful when dealing with individuals who promise them jobs outside the country," Hamela said. He said the government is working with neighbouring countries to strengthen efforts to prevent trafficking and protect victims. He added that most cases involve youths from Mangochi, Blantyre and other border districts. The study also found that young people who migrate without relatives, friends or trusted contacts in destination countries face a higher risk of exploitation. It further linked labour trafficking to economic hardship, noting that those struggling to meet basic needs such as food, clothing and medical care are more vulnerable. The researchers recommend strengthening economic empowerment programmes, improving access to financial services and expanding employment opportunities for young people to address the root causes of trafficking.

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