New South African counter-trafficking law

On Woman's Day this year we welcomed the news that trafficking for labour purposes, for the removal of body parts, for forced marriages or for any form of exploitation can be prosecuted. Previous interim legislation only covered children trafficked for sex, now protection is available to anyone irrespective of age or gender or type of trafficking. See more at Joy Digital Magazine

What wonderful news! I thank God for every step forward and will celebrate every victory.

More good news is that Hilton Worldwide have decided to remove porn in their hotels. This was after reviewing the facts and realising that Porn has a direct effect by fuelling the demand for sex trafficking, which then fuels the demand for human trafficking. See more at End Sexual Exploitation

If that wasn't enough to encourage you, wait until you hear this: I am very excited to say that we have finalised the route for our Walk For Freedom. Other plans have been put on the back burner while I was ill, but we are up and running again and it feels good to be progressing. Resources are being distributed, the word is getting out, people are signing up and even more people are becoming aware and prepared to take a stand.

If you are yet to sign up for the 2015 Walk For Freedom, raising awareness and funds to end human trafficking, you can do so now here: A21 Walk For Freedom

To donate funds towards this amazing cause, you can click here: A21 End Human Trafficking

Thank you to every one of you that are joining me on this journey in whatever capacity. Together we will End It!

The Sum Of Every Small Victory Is How We Will Prevail

God knew what he was talking about when He looked at man and said that it is not good for him to be alone. We all need people in our lives. People in our immediate family circle: spouses, children, parents, siblings. Then our beloved chosen family: our friends. And in our work or hobbies or chosen causes: kindred spirits. In other words: teams. 

I am getting more organised and more excited as people are coming alongside me for this years A21 Walk For Freedom, the local campaign that has sprung up around this through the local Mayor's office and the further campaigns spreading through the volunteers to churches and schools and forums.

I am registering to start an A-Team, so I am able to officially represent The A21 Campaign outside of just hosting the Walk For Freedom. With this designation I will also have access to resources such as presentations, material and when necessary any other backup necessary from the nearest A21 satellite office.

I have also through my meetings and starting to spread the word acquired a few volunteers already to spread the load. 

It is very exciting to be moving forward with plans and to know that this is a fire that we are spreading and will set the world ablaze until slavery in every form is abolished. This might seem inconceivable in the face of the facts: With over 27 Million trapped in slavery today and another person being trafficked every 30 seconds. 

But this is not a single battle we are engaged in, it is a war. And it is the sum of the "small" victories that will cause us to prevail.

Every single person that is educated is another "small" victory. 

Every single share of tweets linking to this blog and blogs like it, is another "small" victory. 

Every cent donated towards campaigns such as The A21 Campaign is another "small" victory. 

Every prayer sent out is another "small" victory.

Every law that is amended or put into place to combat trafficking is another "small" victory.

Every conviction in court of traffickers is another "small" victory.

Every article in the media about human trafficking is another "small" victory.

Every volunteer that signs up to help in any capacity is another "small" victory.

Every person rescued out of slavery is another "small" victory.

Every meeting called to address the issues of slavery is another "small" victory.

Every letter written or care package sent to survivors is another "small" victory.

Help me by doing everything you can today. Help the victims. Help prevent future victims. 

Will you join us? Join a team, because together we can make our legacy be freedom.

Find out how you can help today: 21 Ways To Help

Sign up for the annual Walk For Freedom on 17 October in your city: Walk For Freedom 2015

If there isn't one in your city, host one! Get your family, friends and fellow Abolitionists involved to help you, just do it today. 

Help me reach my fundraising goal and donate, share the link on your social media for others to donate, or even set up your own fundraising page: Fundraising

Plettenberg Bay Walk For Freedom, here we come..

I am so excited about getting involved and hosting this event. If I am on here sporadically, it is because we are progressing faster than I believed possible! I thank God that He has prepared the way, as everything is falling into place. 

Everyone I speak to asks how they can assist, offers to arrange or provide something! My heart is overflowing. I am blown away by the quality of people in my home town and it makes me so proud to be a part of this community. 

I met with the Mayor's office and they are not only going to support the event but come alongside me and be a part of the hosting. 

We are finalising the route details to get the permit issued and once that is done we can get it registered on the A21 website, which I am getting help for from my extremely helpful local A21 office :) Thanks Gilbert from the Cape Town office! 

I am not only going to be inviting people to the Walk, but will be going out to the churches, schools, business forums and associations and raising awareness by sharing material, speaking with key persons and presentations. 

I have been invited to speak at a few events, not because I am an expert or an accomplished public speaker, but because it's my heart to raise awareness and assist by, for example, hosting the Walk For Freedom. I most certainly hope and pray that my introduction will open doors for further education and inspire more people to get involved too.

So here I go to sort out marketing materials and polish up presentations. In the mean time please check out this TEDx talk by A21 Global Operations Manager, Philip Hyldgaard, on human trafficking. Remember to share it so we can spread the word online.