THOLWANA e Molemo Sex Workers Organisation has called on the government to speed up the processes of legalising sex work.
The organisation has noted a high level of unemployment, poverty within the black communities, nepotism in the public sector, inequality and other challenges.
It advocates on behalf of 2 800 sex workers across the Free State, where business is reportedly supported by pastors, prominent politicians, police, businesspeople and other respected individuals.
Provincial project manager and sex activist Victor Mofokeng told Daily Sun that the government has turned a blind eye to a booming market with the potential to participate intensively in economic emancipation.
Sex work activist Victor Mofokeng gun for the decriminalisation of sex work in Mzansi. Video by Joseph Mokoaledi#Sexwork pic.twitter.com/gLZ1l7f4U5
— Daily Sun (@dailysunsa) December 21, 2023
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"Sex workers are providing essential services in the street. Their clients come voluntarily in exchange for goods. The constitution has stipulated clearly that every South African has a right to freedom of choice and freedom of association. This is the sex workers' business choice to feed themselves through prostitution.
"We want the Parliament to constitutionalise sex work. The decriminalisation of sex work will be highly respected because it will impact positively our economy. Sex work must be registered as another business sector in the country. It will give our prostitutes an opportunity to advertise themselves to attract more sales," he said.
Victor further said that their organisation offers health services and psychosocial support through social workers, sensitising them about their rights.
"We also offer them free legal advice. We advocate for the decriminalisation of sex work.”
