Prevention and Combating of Trafficking in Persons Act, 2013 (Act No. 7 of 2013)

The Norms and Minimum Standards are the prescripts for accredited organisations in terms of section 25 of the Prevention and Combating of Trafficking in Persons Act, 2013 (Act No. 7 of 2013) ("Act"). The Norms and Minimum Standards are in place as a measure to promote the rights of victims of trafficking. All accredited organisations must comply with the requirements of the Act.

Every accredited organisation providing care, support and protection services to victims of  trafficking must ensure that measures are in place to promote the rights of the victims as outlined in the Service Charter for Victims of Crime in South African ("Victims’ Charter").

Although the service providers, their employees and volunteers are required to assist victims of trafficking, it must be taken into cognisance that the victims are not required to accept these services, if they do not need them, and may at any point in time decline the offers.

However it should be noted that once a crime has been reported to the South African Police Service ("SAPS") and a case docket has been opened, the National Instructions for SAPS, the National Prosecuting Authority Policy Directives, the Directors-General of the Departments of Home Affairs, Labour and Social Development, are compelled to comply in the execution of their functions and adhere to specific procedures that should be adhered to in relation to the Act.