The organization Shattering Shackles, which combats human trafficking in South Africa, has encountered a serious financial crisis. The founder of the organization, Susan Sylla, has dedicated over ten years to investigating human trafficking, helping rescue victims and exposing exploitation in various communities across South Africa.
Currently, the founder of Shattering Shackles is fighting to keep her organization operational. One of its main donors plans to cease funding in the coming weeks, putting the organization at risk of closure if it cannot secure sufficient support to cover operating costs.
Over the years, Shattering Shackles has handled more than 240 cases of human trafficking, affecting both individual victims and large criminal networks. Despite years of work, the organization constantly lacks regular funding to continue its mission.
Sylla admitted that there were times when she considered giving up everything and returning to corporate work. However, the thought of leaving became more pressing after news broke last month about the cessation of donor support. Nevertheless, the organization received nine complex cases that it reported.
One such case involves a four-year-old child needing protection from exploitation. Sylla emphasized that when weighing the need to dedicate time to fundraising versus saving a four-year-old from a life of exploitation, the child will always take priority.
Her work began in 2012 through a ministry that supported women involved in prostitution. She raised public awareness and trained healthcare workers to recognize signs of human trafficking. In the first year, she noted 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. She stressed that they did not choose this situation.
As more people shared their experiences and reported suspected human trafficking, Sylla's work shifted towards investigating criminal networks and assisting in victim rescue. Her driving forces remain faith, the courage of survivors, and hope for preventing further violence.
Some cases left a deep mark. The most emotionally difficult was the case of a young girl with cerebral palsy who could not speak or walk and was allegedly subjected to sexual exploitation by her own mother. Sylla recounted that when they found the girl, the smell was so putrid that they initially thought she was dead. The girl was lying in her own waste, severely neglected, and injured. She added that she had never seen anything so devastating.
Sylla reported that the girl was saved and transformed thanks to care and protection. This case also showed Sylla how subtle human trafficking can be. She noted that many people associate this crime with transporting victims across borders in trucks or containers, ignoring exploitation within their own communities. According to her, 'borders do not necessarily need to be crossed. It is about exploitation, not transportation.'
Shattering Shackles investigates human trafficking suspicions, collaborates with the police and other government agencies, and conducts awareness-raising and training programs in schools, churches, and community groups. The organization is based in Gqeberha and operates in other parts of the country.
Sylla pointed out that the lack of training among frontline workers, limited resources, and the registration of human trafficking cases under other offenses complicate the identification and investigation of this crime. She also believes that low public trust in law enforcement encourages some people to report their suspicions to organizations like hers rather than the police.
The organization's own financial difficulties compound its work. Sylla explained that she cannot freely publish photos or case details to attract donors because doing so could jeopardize investigations and endanger victims and investigators. 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.
Sylla stated that Shattering Shackles is the only non-profit organization dealing with human trafficking issues in the Eastern Cape. She fears that if the organization closes, people in need of help will face even greater obstacles in receiving it.
The organization's most urgent need is stable monthly funding to cover operating expenses. Additionally, it requires reliable transport for responding to cases, as well as assistance with printing, tax matters, and public awareness campaigns. For Sylla, it is unacceptable to think that someone might remain trapped in exploitation because the organization cannot afford to help. She reminded people that many tend to believe that 'it will never happen to me or my family,' but it does happen.
She calls on the public to help sustain Shattering Shackles' operations and ensure that victims can continue to receive assistance. Those wishing to support Shattering Shackles can donate to the FNB account: Shattering Shackles NPC, account number 62858822531, branch code 210050 (SWIFT: FIRNZAJJ). More detailed information can be requested at info@shatteringshackles.co.za. To report suspected human trafficking, please write to report@shatteringshackles.co.za.