Hearing the silent screams of victims of sex trafficking. Source Netcare Monday, 27 July 2026, 16:09 If you suspect that someone may be a victim of human trafficking, you can help by calling the National Human Trafficking Hotline immediately on 0800 222 777. Image: Canva NATIONAL NEWS - Ahead of World Day Against Trafficking in Persons on 30 July, Netcare has launched a programme in 38 emergency departments to identify, support and protect women who have been trafficked and are living in fear of speaking out or escaping their traffickers. "Many people don't realise that human trafficking is taking place right here in South Africa, but it is. Women and girls, primarily from Limpopo, the Eastern Cape and Mpumalanga, are lured mostly to Gauteng with false promises of love, employment or a better future," says Dr Leanne van Rooy, trauma programme manager at Netcare Milpark Hospital. The United Nations defines human trafficking as modern day slavery that exploits people for profit. The elements of human trafficking are, firstly, the act of recruitment, transportation, transfer, harbouring or receiving of people. The second element is using force, deception, coercion, abuse of power or abusing a person's position of vulnerability for the third element of human trafficking, that is, the purpose of exploitation. "Traffickers often target teenagers through TikTok and other social media platforms, grooming them over time by sending money or gifts and exploiting their trust, innocence and vulnerabilities. In many cases, they manipulate young women into believing they are in a genuine romantic relationship before persuading them to leave home. Others are abducted," she explains. "By the time the woman arrives, she is already ensnared in a trap of intimidation that leads to exploitation. She appears to have no way out of the abusive situation, which is often driven by organised crime." The emergency departments at 38 Netcare hospitals are now equipped with a person centred, trauma-informed care pathway to safely interrupt the cycle of human trafficking for women who are often too traumatised to ask for help directly, with plans to extend this to other Netcare facilities. The driving force behind the evidence-based care pathway is Dr Van Rooy, whose doctoral studies in Nursing Science focused on recognising and responding to human trafficking within the emergency department. "Human trafficking affects an estimated 50 million people worldwide. Alarmingly, research suggests that more than 80% of women who survived and escaped from sex trafficking visited an emergency department while they were being exploited," Dr Van Rooy explains. Dr Van Rooy identified an opportunity for healthcare professionals working in emergency departments at Netcare hospitals to integrate support for victims into their established trauma care system. Drawing on first-hand accounts from survivors of sex trafficking, she co-designed a care pathway. The care pathway has recently been introduced to healthcare professionals working in the emergency departments. It is intended to help recognise and respond to potential victims, provide a safe environment for disclosure, and connect them with immediate specialist support. "The nurses and doctors working in the emergency department are sensitised to the red flags that a person may present with. Care pathways are in place to create a safer environment, and build trusting relationships, so that we can better identify and support victims of human trafficking," Dr Van Rooy explains. "In these circumstances, women are often terrified into submission by their traffickers. Every action is closely monitored, and even the smallest attempt to seek help can have devastating consequences. "This care pathway provides guidance for healthcare professionals to recognise and respond to victims of trafficking in the emergency department. It also gives victims a safe, discreet way to signal they are in danger without having to ask for help directly, connecting them to immediate support through the Human Trafficking Hotline, supported by the National Freedom Network with A21, a leading global anti-trafficking NGO." The National Freedom Network (NFN) is a network of stakeholders across South Africa who are working to combat human trafficking. Launched in May 2011, the NFN currently serves as South Africa's network for connecting various counter-trafficking organisations, as well as other role players across the movement through strategic networking. Red flags that someone may need help: * Someone else speaks for them or closely controls them * Appears fearful or avoids eye contact * Very quiet or unusually distressed * Doesn't have control over their own identity documents or money If you suspect that someone may be a victim of human trafficking, you can help by calling the National Human Trafficking Hotline immediately on 0800 222 777. "Continuous training and awareness initiatives are essential to equip healthcare professionals with the skills needed to respond effectively, ensuring the safety of victims and providing trauma-informed care. "Moreover, strengthening multisectoral collaboration among healthcare professionals, social services, NGOs, and law enforcement is essential for coordinated, resource-efficient responses and more integrated support," Dr Van Rooy concludes. 'We bring you the latest Garden Route, Hessequa, Karoo news'

NAC and Netcare 911 strengthen a lifesaving partnership. When aviation expertise and emergency medicine come together, the result is far more than a business partnership; it becomes a vital link in South Africa's emergency response capability. The long-standing collaboration between the National Airways Corporation (NAC) and Netcare 911 continues to demonstrate how world-class aviation support can make a critical difference when every second counts. For many years, NAC has provided the aviation backbone that enables Netcare 911 to deliver advanced aeromedical services across South Africa and into the broader African region. The partnership combines NAC's extensive aviation experience with Netcare 911's highly skilled emergency medical teams, ensuring that critically ill and injured patients receive specialist care as quickly as possible. At the heart of the collaboration is a fleet of modern helicopters specially configured for aeromedical operations. Far more than simply transport aircraft, these helicopters function as fully equipped mobile intensive care units, allowing Netcare 911's medical personnel to begin advanced treatment from the moment they reach a patient. This capability is particularly important in South Africa, where accidents, medical emergencies and remote locations can place patients hours away from specialist healthcare facilities. Air ambulances dramatically reduce transport times, improving the chances of survival and better patient outcomes. In aeromedical operations, safety is just as important as speed. Every mission involves complex decision-making, often in challenging weather conditions, difficult terrain and time-critical circumstances. NAC's commitment to aviation safety plays a central role in the success of the partnership. As a BARS Gold Standard operator, the company adheres to internationally recognised aviation safety and operational standards, providing the level of oversight required for demanding emergency medical missions. This focus on safety complements Netcare 911's own clinical governance and quality assurance systems, ensuring that patients receive the highest standards of care while crews operate within rigorous operational procedures. NAC's experienced pilots and technical specialists bring extensive operational knowledge to every flight. Their professionalism and understanding of the unique demands of aeromedical operations allow medical teams to concentrate fully on patient care, knowing that the aviation component of the mission is being managed with precision and expertise. Behind every successful flight is also a dedicated engineering and maintenance workforce that ensures each aircraft is maintained to the highest standards of airworthiness and reliability. The effectiveness of an aeromedical service depends not only on aircraft but also on the infrastructure supporting them. NAC's network of operational bases and internationally recognised heliport facilities provides Netcare 911 with strategically positioned hubs from which emergency missions can be coordinated and launched rapidly. This extensive infrastructure allows the partnership to respond efficiently across South Africa and into neighbouring countries when required. The ability to mobilise aircraft quickly from multiple locations significantly enhances response times and operational flexibility, particularly during complex medical evacuations or inter-hospital transfers. South Africa presents unique challenges for emergency medical services, with vast distances separating many communities from specialist healthcare facilities. In these circumstances, aeromedical services have become an indispensable part of the country's healthcare system. By combining advanced aircraft, highly trained aviation professionals and experienced emergency medical teams, the partnership continues to set a high standard for aeromedical operations on the African continent. Beyond the aircraft and technology, the partnership is ultimately about the people who dedicate their careers to saving lives. Every successful mission is made possible through the combined efforts of pilots, engineers, flight coordinators, paramedics, emergency care practitioners, doctors and support personnel who work together under demanding conditions.