From May 11 to 15, Talitha Kum South Africa hosted a leadership training on human trafficking at the Padre Pio Retreat and Conference Centre in Pretoria. The formation brought together 39 participants, Religious Sisters, and priests, including Talitha Kum Youth Ambassadors, for five days of reflection and capacity building in the fight against trafficking in Southern Africa. 

This initiative was made possible through a partnership with the Migrants, Refugees and Human Trafficking Office of the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference, the Leadership Conference of Consecrated Life South Africa, and with the support of Talitha Kum International. The sessions were coordinated and moderated by Sr. Popina Mohala (Talitha Kum South Africa National Coordinator), Sr. Neide Lamperti, and Sr. Zelna Oosthuizen, RGS, President of the Leadership Conference of Consecrated Life in Southern Africa (LCCLSA).

The training began by exploring the root causes, mechanisms, and realities of human trafficking in Southern Africa. The sessions were facilitated by Dr. Joseph Mogoshane and Ms. Amy Arnold from the National Freedom Network, who led interactive sessions on critical issues such as sexual and labor exploitation, irregular migration, child trafficking, and the role of social media in recruitment. They also outlined the legal frameworks available for protection in South Africa. Through case studies, videos, group work, and powerful testimonies, participants engaged in meaningful dialogue about the challenges of prevention, protection, and reintegration of trafficking survivors.

On the final day, Sr. Khensani Shivambu guided participants through the mission and structure of Talitha Kum South Africa. The group reflected on the network’s core values and strategic priorities, reinforcing their shared commitment to human dignity and the accompaniment of survivors. The session also highlighted the importance of networking across dioceses, religious congregations, and civil society organizations. During this time, provincial coordinators were introduced; they will play a key role in strengthening the network’s activities across different regions of the country.

The training concluded with participants developing concrete action plans for their respective dioceses and receiving certificates of participation. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with attendees describing the event as a valuable space for learning and renewing their social and pastoral commitment in the fight against human trafficking. The experience reaffirmed a vital message: effective prevention, advocacy, and care for victims require strong collaboration between the Church, civil society, and public institutions.

by Sr. Neide Lamperti, MSCS