The CTIP is a joint venture between the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SACBC) and Leadership Conference of Consecrated Life.
Besides concerned members of the public, various Catholic churches in the Capricorn area were represented as well as the South African Council of Churches (SACC), several provincial government departments including the Office of the Premier, Capricorn District Municipality (CDM), Commission of Gender Equality (CGE) and South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC).
According to Jeremiah Masela, Bishop of the Polokwane Diocese of the Catholic Church who spoke to Polokwane Observer prior to the service, it is imperative that people from all walks of life become aware of human trafficking and that it is happening in their communities. He said only by pulling together could a difference be made in ending this scourge. “We are pleased that so many government institutions and other organisations have decided to join this campaign, and hope that others will follow,” he said.
Besides prayers being said during proceedings, messages of support were also delivered by the CGE and SAHRC. Limpopo Police, National Prosecuting Authority, Department of Social Development and Department of Home Affairs spoke about their capacity building programmes to combat human trafficking. Councillor Jara Masubelele signed a pledge committing CDM to also actively participating in combatting human trafficking.
Other matters discussed were trends and patterns on human trafficking, presented by the SAHRC, the role of civil society and churches in combating human trafficking.

Source: Observer