The Minister of Social Development, Dina Pule, is awaiting the arrival of two children who were victims of human trafficking at O.R. Tambo International Airport. To date, the department has repatriated 22 children.
The Minister of Social Development, Dina Pule, welcomed two girls from KwaZulu-Natal, aged 15 and 10, who have finally returned to South Africa after being illegally taken to Malawi in 2024.
It is reported that an unknown male acquaintance, who became friends with the family and a potential lover of the children's mother, infiltrated the family and subsequently took control of the grandmother's pension. The situation worsened for the family after losing their housing, as the man took them to a rented premises and then convinced them to move to Malawi in search of better opportunities.
However, upon arrival in Malawi, the situation deteriorated further: their freedom of movement was restricted. Eventually, the grandmother and their mother were released, while the two minors remained there under difficult conditions.
Upon arriving in South Africa, they reported the incident to the police, which led to a complex cross-border rescue operation that ultimately returned the two minors to the country after Malawian authorities rescued them on July 9, 2026, and placed them in a safe location.
Thanks to the close cooperation between the Department of Social Development, South African Interpol, and the authorities of South Africa and Malawi, officials traveled to Malawi to ensure their safe return home.
During a press briefing held at O.R. Tambo International Airport, the minister cautiously noted the upcoming reunion and reintegration of the two teenagers into normal life after months spent in difficult circumstances. She stated: 'This is a bittersweet moment for me and for the department, as we celebrate the return of the children and the possible reunion with their families. Human trafficking and child exploitation are not a myth. It is a reality; it happens across borders, and it can happen to families in our own communities.'
Despite the positive changes in the girls' situation, the man who organized their trafficking remains at large in Malawi. Police Brigadier General Amanda Van Wyk assured the public of ongoing efforts to apprehend the suspect. She emphasized: 'The South African Police Service (SAPS) and South African Interpol continue to cooperate with relevant law enforcement agencies in investigating transnational crimes such as human trafficking.'
A departmental official, Sizo Magango, detailed the living conditions of the two minors, noting that they were denied access to school, extracurricular activities, and food. He pointed out: 'Their living conditions were terrible. They did not lead a normal life and had not attended school since 2024. They experienced a lot of trauma and were constantly moved from one place to another.'
According to the department, the repatriation of the two victims is part of the government's continuous efforts to protect children from exploitation and human trafficking, ensure their safe return to the country, and facilitate access to appropriate care, protection, and support services.
The minister added that the Department of Social Development has repatriated 22 children to date, urging families and communities to remain vigilant, warning that traffickers often exploit vulnerability, financial hardship, and trust through false promises of work, relationships, financial assistance, or a better life. As the custodian of the Children's Act, the Department collaborates closely with various government departments, structures, and civil society organizations to ensure the safe return and reintegration of children who have been victims of human trafficking.