The non-profit organization Shattering Shackles, which addresses the issue of human trafficking, is facing the threat of closure amid depleted financial resources. The organization's founder, Susan Saila, has dedicated over ten years to investigating human trafficking, providing assistance to victims, and exposing exploitation in various communities across South Africa.
One of the main donor organizations plans to cease financial support in the coming weeks. This puts Shattering Shackles at risk of closure if it cannot secure sufficient funds to cover current operational expenses. Despite many years of work, the organization has struggled to secure regular funding.
Shattering Shackles has already handled over 240 cases of human trafficking, covering both individual victims and large criminal networks. Saila admitted that in moments of doubt, she considered returning to corporate sector work, but the thought of leaving became more pressing after learning about the cessation of support from a donor. Nevertheless, the organization recently received nine complex cases, including one involving a four-year-old child needing protection from exploitation.
Saila's journey began in 2012 through a ministry that supported women involved in prostitution. During that period, she raised public awareness and trained medical workers to recognize signs of human trafficking. In her first year, she discovered that approximately 97%–98% of the women she interacted with were under control and being exploited. Some had been deceived by false job offers, while others faced threats and coercion, including threats against their children.
As more people shared their experiences and reported suspected human trafficking, Saila's work shifted towards investigating criminal structures and rescuing victims. Her motivation remains her faith, the courage of survivors, and the hope of preventing further violence.
Some cases left a deep mark. The most emotionally difficult case was that of a young girl with cerebral palsy who could not speak or walk and was allegedly subjected to sexual exploitation by her own mother. Saila recounted that upon finding the girl, the smell was so putrid that there was an initial suspicion of her death. The girl was in her own waste, severely neglected, and injured.
Saila noted that the child was rescued and underwent positive changes thanks to care and protection. This case also demonstrated how human trafficking can remain hidden. She emphasized that many people associate this crime with transporting victims across borders in trucks or containers, ignoring exploitation within their own communities. In her view, 'borders do not necessarily need to be crossed. It is about exploitation, not transportation.'
Shattering Shackles investigates suspected human trafficking cases, collaborates with the police and other government agencies, and conducts educational work and training in schools, churches, and community groups. The organization is based in Gqeberha and operates nationwide. Saila pointed out that the lack of training among frontline workers, limited resources, and the registration of human trafficking cases under other offenses complicate the detection and investigation of this crime.
Furthermore, she believes that the low level of public trust in law enforcement encourages some people to report their suspicions to organizations like hers instead of contacting the police. The financial difficulties of the organization itself exacerbate this problem. Saila reported that because she cannot freely publish photos or case details to attract donors without endangering investigations, victims, and investigators, the work becomes harder. She also revealed that she and other Shattering Shackles staff have not received salaries for six years, forcing her to sell personal belongings to keep the organization running.
Saila stressed that Shattering Shackles is the only non-profit organization working on human trafficking issues in the Eastern Cape. She fears that if the organization closes, people in need of help may face even greater obstacles in receiving that support.
The organization's most urgent need is stable monthly funding to cover operational costs. Reliable transport for responding to cases is also necessary, as is assistance with printing, tax matters, and public awareness campaigns. For Saila, it is unacceptable to think that someone might remain trapped in exploitation because the organization cannot afford to provide help. She reminds us: 'Many people like to believe that 'it will never happen to me or my family,' and then it does.'
The organization appeals to the public to help sustain Shattering Shackles' activities and ensure the continuation of aid to victims. For those wishing to contribute, the FNB bank account details are: Account name Shattering Shackles NPC, Account number 62858822531, Branch code 210050, SWIFT code FIRNZAJJ. Additional information can be requested at info@shatteringshackles.co.za, and suspicions of human trafficking can be reported to report@shatteringshackles.co.za.