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The National Crime Prevention Strategy Pillar is aimed at reducing crime by focusing on crime across borders, amongst which is the trafficking of persons. This study aims to analyse the vulnerabilities of children to trafficking in South Africa. A qualitative research approach was used to explain the vulnerabilities of child trafficking in our society. Data was collected using a secondary data collection method wherein information was obtained from published materials and reports. The findings reveal that poverty, unemployment and lack of education increase the likelihood of child trafficking. Poverty is the main factor, particularly in underdeveloped and rural regions of South Africa. Therefore, families facing economic hardship are easily deceived by traffickers, especially those unaware of trafficking risks. It revealed that awareness campaigns and school programs are the key strategies to prevent child trafficking by educating families and learners on trafficking risks. It also recommends expanding education efforts and increasing economic support to address a major influence of trafficking poverty. Therefore, concluding that successful public outreach and awareness campaigns can aid in the detection of human trafficking cases, increase public support for local and governmental action, and eventually aid in the prevention of child trafficking.

Sex motivated by economic exchange is a major public health problem which predisposes individuals to HIV and other sexually-transmitted diseases. The current study explored the psychosocial challenges faced by young females dating sugar daddies. A qualitative approach using a case study design was employed. A purposive sampling method was used to select the participant, data was collected through semi-structured interviews using an interview guide and thematic content analysis was conducted. The results indicated that the contributory factors/ reasons for young females dating sugar daddies are the need for financial support, emotional maturity of the sugar daddies, materialistic gain, peer influence, stress reduction, an innate desire for a father figure and the young female’s poverty/impoverished conditions. Additionally, the results showed that young females face challenges when dating sugar daddies which include risk of contracting sexually-transmitted infections, lack of emotional attachment and poor academic performance. Awareness campaigns and educational programs were identified as strategies to aid reduce females’ trend of dating sugar daddies. The current study has contributed to the existing body of knowledge on a psychological understanding of the phenomenon and efforts should be made to work with the community to reduce the transactional sex pandemic.