The Human Trafficking & Modern Slavery Expert Directory

Description:
Founding Director and Operations Manager Non Profit Company Predominated networking for strategic change

Experience, Background and Services:
During 2010, research and workshops were conducted to determine a base for the Network and to identify which gaps and strategic imperatives should be addressed.
The National Freedom Network (NFN) was formally launched in May 2011, and has since grown to be a solid national network of counter-human trafficking role players across South Africa.
The National Freedom Network (NFN) connects counter-human trafficking stakeholders within and across Civil Society and Government in South Africa. The NFN seeks to foster and facilitate interaction and collaboration between the various stakeholders in the different sectors by encouraging and establishing mechanisms for the sharing of information, resources and best practices.
Government structures have also since been established over the past decade, both at Provincial and National level, and we work closely with these.
Our vision is to see all sectors of the South African society organised and united in their efforts to prevent and combat trafficking in persons.
Our mission is to effectively prevent and combat trafficking in persons through strategic networking, collaboration and partnership.
Our long-term goals are to include targeted and strategic prevention programs, as well as implementing steps and opportunities towards becoming a survivor-led Network.

Our programmes include: Networking - This is our core programme area and aims to build relationship with stakeholders across the counter-TIP field: Civil Society including organisations, professionals and small businesses; Government; Faith-based organisations, Para-statals; and Chapter 9 institutions. NFN members have specific benefits, including a higher level of credibility in the counter-Trafficking field. There are currently four Local Coalitions in efforts to strengthen on-the-ground coordination and support. NFN represents its members on the National Intersectoral Committee for TIP and several Provincial Task Teams; Care & Support - We not only act and serve as a network but also a support centre for our members, as well as for survivors and the safe houses. This support has many different forms and depends on current needs, situational context, as well as what we have available in terms of funds and capacity; Advocacy - a) We encourage and champion research in the field, and act as gatekeeper to the Network prior to research being done. Researchers must undergo a vetting process to ensure that they meet our research requirements, including having the correct ethical clearance necessary to conduct their research. We then work to connect the researcher with the most relevant members and other colleagues in the field, for their research. b) Awareness in the form of information sessions, is an ad hoc function that we provide upon request. However, we aim to refer the public to our members who focus on awareness raising. c) Policy (re)formation focuses on facilitating wider Network input into any field-related policies or legislation that is up for review or comment or advocating for change where necessary ; Capacity Building is provided by assessing training needs for our members/civil society/coalitions & government and then providing experts to present sessions on our online community platform, with the aim to upskill and strengthen the collective; and Strategic Projects with our unique position of having a ‘bigger picture’ overview and being well positioned to identify who and what is already in place, as well as where the major gaps and challenges lie. When possible, we work to fill some of these gap areas by sourcing, creating or collaborating on solutions. As such, our strategic projects often have a specific focus and time frame and can also include grant-funded opportunities or partnered projects.

We successfully transitioned to an Online Community Platform in March 2023. The platform provides easy digital access to one another with security and access controls in place, providing opportunities for groups of various practices e.g., forums, interest groups, coalitions etc. to be formed and facilitated by those passionate about that area. The digital platform has a centralized resource library which includes academic research, training material, reports, event recordings, and resources members have shared. Webinars are scheduled and organized through the platform with experts presenting on various topics and themes to educate and empower the members. The platform is a support hub for all working in the prevention and combatting of trafficking in persons in South Africa.

Marina Reyneke has 10 years of experience volunteering full time with all experts in South Africa. In these 10 years, key role players who are representative within the NFN governing structure are Dr Marcel van der Watt, Dr Amanda van der Westhuizen, Adv Palesa Mafisa and Diane Wilkinson.