Anti-gender-based violence organisation, iLitha Labantu, says the exploitation of young women throughout the Western Cape has been ongoing for years.
This follows information circulating on social media of young women in Parklands, Cape Town, being sexually exploited by foreign nationals, in exchange for money.
The organisation’s Siya Monakali says this recent incident is not isolated to Parklands.
But rather part of a series of similar incidents across the province.
“This ring of child sexual exploitation has been happening for many many years, and it’s basically an untapped or unexposed industry. It’s only now that these issues are coming to light.”
Monakali says a collaborative effort is needed from all sectors of society:
“We want police to actually do their jobs. We want police to actually do follow-ups on things of this nature, circulating on social media. However, we also want – from a community and household level – for parents and family members to actually play a critical role in providing education and awareness to their children.”
