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02 December 2024 Media Release: Garden Route Skills Mecca initiative invests millions of Rands in Skills Development opportunities in the Garden Route

Media Release: Garden Route Skills Mecca initiative invests millions of Rands in Skills Development opportunities in the Garden Route

For immediate release
02 December 2024

The Garden Route Skills Mecca (GRSM), an initiative of the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), has invested significantly in training and skills development programs across the district’s local municipal areas over the past three years.

Earlier this year, a group of participants from across the district with representatives of GRDM’s EPWP Unit, BIG Hearts and Oudtshoorn Municipality after the signing of their contracts to gain workplace experience at the GRDM, through the GRSM initiative.

Through these programmes, the GRSM continuously aims to collaborate, cooperate and integrate skills development activities across all GRSM roleplayers, ever-increasing its numbers of partnerships in support of Skills Development, as well as continue expanding its network of industry-based occupationally based programmes designed to meet the region’s needs.

The skills development programs implemented through GRSM include diverse fields such as cellphone repairs, construction, and more. These efforts highlight a steady increase in skills development initiatives within the Garden Route, contributing to noticeable growth in the region.

Since 2022, nearly R124.4 million has been invested across local municipalities, creating opportunities for more than 2191 individuals in the Garden Route district. An additional R114.26 million worth of projects are currently in the implementation phase. These efforts, made possible by the GRSM initiative, have included training in areas such as Training for Skills Mecca Technicians through the Expanded Public Works Programme, Project Management, Tourism and Hospitality, Small & Media Enterprise training and business support, Digital skills, Water and Sanitation, Firefighting and artisan development programmes such as plumbing, electrician training to name a few.

The breakdown of investment and programme rollout in local municipal areas includes:

  • Bitou: Programmes implemented in the area amounts to more than R12 million.
  • Knysna: An investment of nearly R35.5 million was made.
  • George: Approximately R23 million was invested in skills and training initiatives in the area.
  • Mossel Bay: Almost R13 million was allocated for the implementation of programmes.
  • Oudtshoorn: Received close to R14 million for the roll-out programmes.
  • Hessequa: Benefited from R8 million for skills development and training programmes.
  • Kannaland: Skills development investment amounted to almost R5.9 million.
  • Additionally, the GRSM furthermore invested approximately R5.3 million in the developing interns placed at various departments of the GRDM. These interns are placed at various departments of the municipality.

More Skills Development Programmes are in the pipeline to be implemented which include: Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Skills, Maritime Training, Rural Development, cell phone repairs training etc. The establishment of training academies are also in the process to the completed and established.

The success of the GRSM can be attributed to key milestones achieved since its inception, including:

  • The hosting of three Skills Summits in various areas within the district.
  • Local skills Indabas also took place across all local municipal areas during this period.
  • A website was furthermore developed that serves as central information hub for training providers and stakeholders;
  • The municipality established an online recruitment system for all projects and programmes.
  • R36 million received from the National Skills Fund to the GRSM.
  • Skills Mecca technicians placed at each municipality to coordinate activities of the GRSM at local level thus ensuring a more coordinated approach that contributes towards the smooth operations of the broader GRSM initiative.

Although the GRSM continues to create possibilities for both employed and unemployed persons within the Garden Route to drive its vision which is the “the preferred destination for developing and honing specific skills and expertise that leads to employability,” it cannot exist without valued partnerships that involves local municipalities, the various SETAs, training providers and the private sector.

Feature Image: Fire Services participants who graduated after completing an Occupational Firefighting training programme through the GRSM, with their families at the event earlier this year.

ENDS

22 November 2024 Opportunities: International Scholarship Opportunity in China for Unemployed Beneficiaries 2024/2025

Opportunities: International Scholarship Opportunity in China for Unemployed Beneficiaries 2024/2025

Opening Date of Funding Window: 14 November 2024
Closing Date of Funding Window: 14 December 2024

Are you a South African matric graduate seeking international study opportunities?
The Chinese Culture and International Education Exchange Centre (CCIEEC), in partnership with the Local Government Sector Education and Training Authority (LGSETA) and the Insurance Sector Education and Training Authority (INSETA), invites matric graduates who completed matric prior to 2024 to apply for an exciting opportunity to study towards a Diploma or Bachelor’s Degree in China.

This initiative aligns with the LGSETA and INSETA Annual Performance Plan targets, contributing to South African youth skills development and employability.

Who can apply?

To qualify for this incredible opportunity, applicants must meet the following criteria:

  1. South African citizens.
  2. Must have completed matric prior to 2024 (no restrictions on the number of years post-matric).
  3. Unemployed at the time of application.
  4. Aged 18 to 25 years.
  5. Willingness to commit to the full programme duration in China.
  6. Ability to adapt to a new cultural and academic environment.
  7. No criminal record.
  8. Medically fit for international travel (HIV, TB and Syphilis negative) according to the rules of the People’s
    Republic of China. A medical exam will take place before departure to China.

Click here to download the Official Advert

31 October 2024 Media Release: GRDM bids farewell to dedicated Roads employee, Daniel Bruiners

Media Release: GRDM bids farewell to dedicated Roads employee, Daniel Bruiners

For immediate release
31 October 2024

This week, the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Roads Department will bid farewell to a cherished colleague, Daniel Bruiners, with a special memorial service celebrating his life on Friday, 1 November 2024.

Daniel, who sadly passed away on Friday, 25 October 2024, at the age of 55, dedicated 20 years of service to the GRDM. Appointed on 1 September 2004, he worked as a member of the Herold Maintenance Team in his hometown of Herold – the place where he was born, raised, and educated.

Daniel’s passing has left an emptiness among his colleagues. Team members remember him as a quiet, diligent worker known for his precision and neatness in every task. Gert Verwey, Deputy Manager of GRDM Roads, remarked: “Daniel’s meticulous work ethic and the significant contributions he made to GRDM Roads are deeply felt by our team. His absence is already felt profoundly.”

Born as the youngest of seven brothers, Daniel is survived by his siblings, his three children – one daughter and two sons – and a niece with whom he shared his home. The GRDM extends its heartfelt condolences to Daniel’s family, friends, and colleagues as they mourn his unexpected loss.

The memorial service will be held at the GRDM Council Chambers. Family, colleagues, friends, and community members are invited to join virtually through the municipality’s YouTube Channel:
https://tinyurl.com/msbtcr3x.

Rest in Peace, Daniel

Your dedication and service to the people of the Garden Route will be remembered.

You will be dearly missed.

ENDS

09 October 2024 Opportunities: Work Experience Placement -Tourism and/or Hospitality

Work Experience Placement Opportunities: Tourism and/or Hospitality  – another Garden Route Skills Mecca Initiative

The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) invites unemployed persons currently residing within the Garden Route District Municipal area, to apply for an opportunity to be placed at a Tourism and/or Hospitality related organisation for an 18-month work experience opportunity as part of a Garden Route Skills Mecca Initiative. Preference will be given to persons with disabilities.

Applicants must be between the ages of 18 and 35. Young people from rural areas are encouraged to apply. Opportunities are currently available in all areas of the garden route district.

Programme and Entry Requirements
This is an 18-month work experience placement programme at Tourism / Hospitality related organisation in the Garden Route.

Applicants will be selected based on the following sequentially prioritised criteria:
• 1st Criteria: Persons with a NATED N6 Tourism / Hospitality qualification that need 18-months work experience for a National Diploma.
• 2nd Criteria: Persons with any Local or International Tourism / Hospitality qualification that have had no work experience.
• 3rd Criteria: Persons with any Local or International Tourism / Hospitality qualification that have had less than six months work experience.

In addition, the GRDM, subject to receiving enough applications and available workplaces, will also attempt to allocate applicants evenly across all Municipal Wards in the District.

Scope of Work and Duties
• This will be determined by the Tourism / Hospitality organisation but could include administration, reception, room services, bar services, restaurant services, food services, customer services or any other typical work within tourism and hospitality.
• All shortlisted candidates will be required to complete an interview with the host employer.
Stipends will be paid for 18-months by GRDM. Stipends must be used for meals, accommodation and travel costs.

The Programme also does not include uniforms, PPE or any equipment unless supplied voluntarily by the host employer. Applicants must apply using the GRDM online system called Unemployed Solutions (red button) found at https://skillsmecca.gardenroute.gov.za/.

THE GARDEN ROUTE DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY WILL ONLY CONSIDER APPLICATIONS COMPLETED IN FULL AND IF THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTS HAVE BEEN UPLOADED:
• A copy of a South African ID Document certified within the last six months.
• A copy of highest educational qualifications certified within the last six months.
• An affidavit certified within last six months that confirms previous work experience, including any Learnerships.
• A criminal record clearance report from the SA Police Service.

For any enquiries, do not hesitate to contact Mr Reginald Salmons at 044-803 1363, or Ms. Kayakazi Klaas 044 803 1434 during office hours (Monday to Thursday between 07:30 and 16:30 and Friday between 07:30 and 13:30) only. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. Should candidates not be contacted 2 months after the closing date, they must consider their application as unsuccessful.

Click here to download the Official Advert

Closing date: 21 October 2024

Notice number: 125/202

16 September 2024 Opportunities: Financial Assistance towards Further Studies 2025

OPPORTUNITIES: FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TOWARDS FURTHER STUDIES 2025

Applications are invited from students currently receiving tuition at Accredited Learning Institutions and learners who are currently Grade 12 or have passed Grade 12, for financial assistance towards further studies during the 2025 academic year. The financial contribution by GRDM, is restricted to full-time study and attendance at SAQA accredited Tertiary, or TVET institutions. This is ONLY applicable to students whose parents permanently reside within the Garden Route municipal area.

Application forms are available at the GRDM and satellite offices during normal office hours (Monday – Thursday 07:30 – 16:30; Friday 07:30 – 13:30). Application forms are also available from the GRDM’s website.

THE GARDEN ROUTE DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY WILL ONLY CONSIDER COMPLETED APPLICATIONS AND IF THE DOCUMENTS MENTIONED BELOW HAVE BEEN INCLUDED.

A detailed Curriculum Vitae and cover letter, application form, and certified copies of the following documentation must be attached: Latest or Grade 12 results or equal qualification; latest examination results of students currently enrolled at tertiary institutions; certified copy of I.D.; affidavit of parents’ combined income and proof of residential address (municipal account).

Please forward the application form and all documents to: Records, Garden Route District Municipality, 54 York Street, P.O. Box 12, George 6530, for attention: Training and Development Section.

For any enquiries, do not hesitate to contact Mr Reginald Salmons at 044 803 1363, Mrs Alvera Josephs at 044 803 1410 or Mrs Nolwando Sambokwe on 044 803 1345 during office
hours.

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. Should candidates not be contacted within two months of the closing date, they must consider their application as unsuccessful.

Closing date: 31 October 2024

Notice number: 117/2024

Click here to download the Official Advertisement

26 August 2024 Media Release: GRDM’s Fire & Rescue Services completes the first ever External Integrated Summative Assessment for Firefighting in South Africa

Media Release: GRDM’s Fire & Rescue Services completes the first ever External Integrated Summative Assessment for Firefighting in South Africa

For immediate release
26 August 2024

Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) and Fire & Rescue Services through the municipality’s Garden Route Skills Mecca (GRSM) programme on 22 August 2024, completed their first ever External Integrated Summative Assessment (EISA) for Firefighting in South Africa.

Learners undertaking their final assessment as part of the External Integrated  Summative Assessment.

The Assessment was performed in collaboration with the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) and the Local Government Sector Education and Training Authority (LGSETA). The EISA were conducted at the Municipality’s Calitzdorp Hot Springs, which is also accredited by the QCTO as a Training Assessment Centre.

Deon Stoffels, Chief Fire Officer at GRDM Fire and Rescue Services said: “The External Integrated Summative Assessment (EISA) is the final assessment managed and conducted by the Quality Partner/Assessment Quality Partner; used to assess all learners nationally. In the EISA the learner proves his/her competence against the Exit Level Outcomes of the Qualification. Learners qualify for entry into EISA via a Statement of Results (SoR) issued by the accredited Skills Development Provider (SDP) – the GRDM in this regard”.

Learners pictured with the LGSETA External Integrated Summative Assessment Facilitators and Invigilators. Front: Gillian Tobin (middle), Mpume Madondo (right) and back Donald Mathebula (right) and Albert Sekhwela (far right). Also in the picture is Daniel Dippenaar, GRDM Station Commander: Fire Safety & Training (far left), who took over as lead facilitator from the now retired, Brian Afrikander, and successfully saw out the last quarter of the program.

In August 2023 the GRDM Fire & Rescue Services commenced with the implementation of the NQF Level 04 Occupational Certificate in Firefighting. This qualification is a national qualification that is achieved through a training program offered by an accredited fire training institution or a fire department. The GRDM obtained accreditation as a Skills Development Provider for this qualification in September 2022. This accreditation was obtained through joint efforts of the GRDM and the Fire & Rescue Services.

The qualification bears 149 credits, equating to 1490 notional hours of learning, and in effect a total of 187 days of training, including classroom study, assignments and examinations.

This qualification addresses a need to have qualified entry level firefighters who can respond to both structural and incidental emergency situations in South Africa.

It is an entry-level qualification for persons wishing to start a career in the emergency services, especially fire and rescue services. It is aimed at learners from formal schooling background and/or employees who are currently employed as fire fighters or individuals performing firefighting related activities.

Stoffels added: “Learners who successfully complete this qualification will have a range of foundational competencies relating to emergency services, firefighting, rescue operations, victim care and protection of property and the environment, as well as generic skills in workplace processes”.

The completion and attainment of this qualification will benefit learners in terms of employment in various public and private sector organisations, as they will be in possession of the required skills. In addition, Stoffels highlighted: “The employment of qualified learners by the industry will benefit both the communities and the South African economy at large”.

The 24 learners who completed the programme include three (3) members from Bitou, five (5) from Knysna, two (2) from Mossel Bay, three (3) from Kannaland, three (3) from Oudtshoorn, two (2) from Hessequa, as well as six (6) members from George.

Students will be capped at a passing out parade on 27 August 2024, whereafter they will be eligible for work opportunities locally, as well as elsewhere.

It is a good example of how the GRDM through the GRSM initiative, continues to lead skills development throughout the district in a collaborative, cooperative and integrated manner.

Did you know?

  • The qualification has been developed in compliance with the South African National Standards, particularly Community Protection against Fire (SANS 10090:2003). This SANS standard, in turn, gives normative references to seven National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards that are registered by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). The most relevant NFPA standards for this qualification are NFPA 1001 and 472.
  •  The International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) is an international organisation that accredits over 100 Fire Service Providers internationally basing its accreditation on NFPA standards. This qualification has been compared against four NFPA certificates which deal with entry-level fire-fighter requirements, namely: (1) Fire fighter 1; (2) Fire fighter 2; (3) Dangerous goods awareness; and (4) Dangerous goods operations.

Feature Image:  A happy and relieved group of learners after the completion of their final assessment.

ENDS

22 August 2024 Media Release: GRSM and stakeholders engage in capacity building workshop in preparation of R 36,4 million project to benefit Tourism and Hospitality sector

Media Release: GRSM and stakeholders engage in capacity building workshop in preparation of R 36,4 million project to benefit Tourism and Hospitality sector

For immediate release
20 August 2024

On Monday, 5 August 2024, delegates from various organisations including officials from the Garden Route  District Municipality (GRDM) responsible for Skills Development, Finance and Tourism, members from the National Skills Fund (NSF), Eden Hospitality & Training and Africa Skills George Tech (formerly known as Africa Skills College), participated in a Nationals Skills Fund (NSF) Tourism & Hospitality Project Capacity Building Workshop.

The purpose of the workshop was for all stakeholders involved in the R 36,4 million project that was approved by the Director-General of the National Department of Higher Education and Training in collaboration with the NSF on 5 July 2024, to plan and discuss the technical groundwork and way forward in relation to the project.

The project will be implemented by the GRDM as the largest single project under the Garden Route Skills Mecca (GRSM) since its emergence in 2017 from the Knysna Fires disaster.

Officially called the Garden Route and Klein Karoo Hospitality and Tourism Skills Development Project, it has its two key objectives:

  • Train 200 unemployed persons across the Garden Route on the nationally occupationally accredited programme for Cooks; and
  • Offer workplace experience for 200 unemployed persons who have already completed Tourism and Hospitality programmes at academic institutions.

Although the official approval of the project came through on 5th July 2024, the award for the project was issued on 20th October 2023. Since that time the Skills Mecca Team across the Garden Route have been busy with preparatory work that included advocacy and recruitment of learners as well as host employers and an accredited provider for the Cook training programme.

Dr Florus Prinsloo, Programme Manager of the GRSM, said: “That preparatory work has resulted in 400 applications for Cook Training and 644 applications for Work Experience Placement. This recruitment process was completed utilising the first-ever online recruitment system developed by the GRDM specifically for the NSF project simply because of the size of the recruitment process, with over 1 000 persons applying. Such a process would have been immensely difficult if completed manually.” Prinsloo added.

The preparatory work also included a tender process for accredited providers to apply for the Cook Training, that has resulted in locally based Eden Hospitality & Training, also known to many as the Francois Ferreira Academy, being awarded the contract.

Although a number of employers have put their names forward to host both sets of learners over the next 12 – 18 months, many more are required and the GRSM Team are engaging with Tourism and Hospitality employers across the District to open up their workplaces to offer unemployed persons the opportunity to learn and work in this critical industry.

“Given the size and complexity of these large NSF projects, there is always a need for careful designed and detailed planning and capacity-building processes right at the beginning of these programmes”. To further ensure the success of the project, Dr Prinsloo highlighted that “the Municipality has a good structure in place which is the GRSM and as part of the structure are individuals located at all local municipalities in the district,” he added.

Items that were discussed during the session includes:

  • Key project deliverables and Management;
  • First tranche payment;
  • Financial Reporting;
  • Learner data reporting and safekeeping;.
  • Circular 5/Audit readiness;
  • Project communication channels;
  • Learner sites and visits; and
  • Project team roles

The importance of the project to the Garden Route has also been acknowledged by the newly appointed Executive Mayor for the GRDM, Mayor Andrew Stroebel, who has agreed to host a formal launch of the project at Carpe Diem School in September this year.

ENDS

25 July 2024 Media Release: Garden Route District Municipality Hosts Training Provider Capacity Building Workshop

Media Release: Garden Route District Municipality Hosts Training Provider Capacity Building Workshop

25 July 2024

On Tuesday, 23 July 2024, the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) held a Training Provider Capacity Building workshop, attended by approximately 100 Skills Development providers. The training took place in the in person and was also attended via Microsoft Teams to ensure  broader accessibility.

The objectives of the workshop aimed to inform Skills Development providers about the registration process for becoming part of the panel of service providers and to educate service providers on crucial aspects relating to supply chain management at the GRDM.

Feature Image Caption: Participants in the Capacity Building Workshop

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17 April 2024 Media Release: Garden Route District Municipality’s Workplace Skills Plan approved

Media Release: Garden Route District Municipality’s Workplace Skills Plan approved

For immediate release
17 April 2024

On Friday, 12 April 2024, the Education and Training Development Committee from Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) approved the Municipality’s Workplace Skills Plan (WSP). To conclude the final stage of the process, the Municipal Manager, Monde Stratu, on 16 April 2024 endorsed the Plan for submission to the Local Government Sector Education and Training Association (LGSETA) before 30 April 2024.

Municipal Manager of GRDM, Monde Stratu (front, middle), endorsing the WSP, in the presence of officials (FLTR back) Ilse Saaiman, Nolwando Sambokwe, Reginald Salmons, Michelle Smit, Salman Damons, Khanyisa Madolo, Jacqueline Thomson, Proy Koopman (front, left) and Trix Holtzhausen (right).

The process included rounds of internal consultations by the Municipality’s Human Resources’ Training Section with specific focus on the WSP and it included management and employees from the various departments of the Municipality, as well as trade union representatives.

With the GRDM being registered with the LGSETA, the Skills Development Act, requires all registered employers with an annual payroll exceeding R500 000, to pay skills development levies. These levies encourage learning and development across the country and are used to develop and improve the skills of employees.

Subsequently, a Workplace Skills Plan (WSP), together with an Annual Training Report (ATR) must be submitted to the LGSETA no later than 30 April, annually. By submitting the municipality’s Workplace Skills Plan (WSP) annually, allows the Municipality access to Mandatory and Discretionary Funding from the LGSETA for skills development.

ENDS

12 May 2023 Media Release: GRDM empowers employees on Labour related matters that could be experienced in the workplace

Media Release: GRDM empowers employees on Labour related matters that could be experienced in the workplace

For immediate release
12 May 2023

From Tuesday, 9 to 11 May 2023, the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) held awareness sessions with employees about Violence and Harassment in the Workplace. The sessions also included labour-related issues. The session was presented by the Western Cape Department of Local Government (DLG) and the Commission of Gender Equality (CGE) and organised by the municipality’s Employee Wellness office.

The Violence and Awareness Session presented to the Garden Route District Municipality staff at the Municipality’s Roads Department.

GRDM officials were equipped with the necessary knowledge and understanding to address and prevent incidents as it is unpacked in the Code of Good Practice on the Prevention and Elimination of Harassment in the workplace, that came into effect on 18 March 2022.

Violence and Harassment

In-depth presentations were delivered by Mr Gorha Adonisi (DLG) and Mr Leonard Macakiti (CGE), providing valuable insights into the various forms of violence and harassment, its impact on individuals and organisations, and the legal frameworks in place for protection, as well as changes to the Employment Equity Act (EEA). The members that were present actively engaged in the session, seizing the opportunity to ask questions and clarify doubts.

Various topics were being touched on such as harassment – the different types of harassment, Interpersonal Conflict, Factors to establish, as well as the Nature and Extend of the Conduct.

The discussions covered a range of important subjects, including the:

  • guiding principles regarding the prevention, elimination, and handling of harassment
  • the formulation of effective harassment policies; and
  • the proper procedures for reporting incidents of harassment.

The responsibilities of employers were emphasised, particularly in cases that were formally reported, with the focus on implementing disciplinary measures and maintaining confidentiality while ensuring appropriate support and guidance for all parties involved.

Representatives from Local Government Department, Commission Gender Equality and Garden Route District Municipality with staff during the Violence and Harassment Sessions.

Human Trafficking

Prudence Ramnath (DLG) explained that trafficking manifests in various forms, such as individuals being forced into street peddling or begging, the illegal trade of body parts and organs for rituals known as “muti”, the illegal adoption of children, and the disturbing practice of forced marriages (known as “ukuthwala”).

“South African victims are recruited and exploited both within the country and across international borders, with South Africa often serving as a transit point for other African nations,” Ramnath stated.

Identifying trafficked victims involves recognising certain indicators, including physical abuse, the presence of a controlling older person accompanying the victim, a lack of identification or difficulties in effective communication, and potential health issues experienced by the victims, as well as struggling with unfamiliar laws and customs of the country or region. These circumstances ultimately favor the trafficker as the victim becomes highly vulnerable to exploitation, while the trafficker may exploit their “exotic” status to maximise profits.

Participating in the human trafficking cycle has unfortunately become increasingly accessible in today’s world.

According to Prudence Ramnath, it often starts with enticing offers that seem too good to be true, such as employment opportunities that specifically target job seekers, particularly young individuals who have recently completed their education. False job advertisements on social media platforms play a significant role in attracting people, promising lucrative salaries even for those without prior experience.

Ramnath warned that once someone becomes a victim of trafficking, they are likely to vanish within the system, and their children may also disappear. She urged staff to remain vigilant and familiarise themselves with their communities. “It’s crucial to recognise that traffickers often integrate themselves into our neighborhoods, residing among us,” she said. Ramnath also emphasised that human trafficking is an organised crime, highlighting the organised nature of these operations. In the case of the illegal trade of human organs, she stressed that victims are abducted solely for the purpose of harvesting and selling their organs on the black market, allowing traffickers to profit immensely from this illegal trade.

Did you know?

  • “Human trafficking is the buying and selling of people for the purpose of exploitation”- Prudence Ramnath (DLG).
  • Statistics indicate that approximately 40.3 million people are enslaved worldwide, with 250,000 individuals falling victim to modern-day slavery in South Africa alone.

ENDS