About National Freedom Network
Where it all Began
The National Freedom Network (NFN) was formally launched in May 2011, with the aim to connect all the various counter-Trafficking organisations with one another as well as with other role players across the movement. It has since grown into South Africa’s counter-Trafficking network.
The NFN acts as a point of connection for anyone working in the counter-Trafficking field; as a channel of communication to ensure that interaction between sectors allows for the flow of information as well as the sharing of resources and best practices; and as a hub of much needed collaboration.
Official Government-driven counter-Trafficking structures have also since been established over the past decade, both at Provincial and National level, and we work closely with these.
Vision
All sectors of society united and organised to prevent and combat Trafficking in Persons.
Mission
To effectively fight Trafficking in Persons through strategic networking, collaboration and partnership.
Programme Areas
Networking
Networking is our core programme and revolves around building relationship with individuals, organisations and coalitions working against Human Trafficking and offering other relevant services. Referrals, connections and introductions are a big part of this space as it takes a network to fight a network. We also act as a support centre, where Care & Support is offered as a service, particularly for our official members, the survivors and shelters. This care and support has many different levels and forms, and depends on current needs, situational context, as well as what we have available in terms of funds and capacity.Advocacy
Advocacy shapes itself on different platforms, from active participation on Provincial Task Teams, representation on the National Inter-sectoral Committee for Trafficking in Persons and the National Rapid Response Task Team, and policy (re)formation, to acting as research gatekeeper for the Network and providing ad hoc information sessions to create awareness on the issue of Human Trafficking.Capacity Building
Capacity Building involves sector specific training as well as sessions to upskill and strengthen the collective of members and sometimes also non-members across the Network.Case Consultation
Human Trafficking matters can be incredibly complex, and we also have a national Standard Operating Procedure for dealing with them. Case consultation is available when necessary, from the NFN Team as well as our Case Consultant who has almost two decades of experience working on Human Trafficking from both a law enforcement as well as an academic perspective. He is also one of the only individuals in South Africa, currently providing expert court testimony for court cases.Special Projects
Special Projects are periodically taken on. Due to our unique position and ‘bigger picture’ overview we are 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. Our strategic projects often have a specific focus and time frame, and can also include grant-funded opportunities or partnered projects.Board Members
Diane Wilkinson
Founding Director and CEO
Diane first learned about Human Trafficking in 2009, right after returning to South Africa. She joined a local organisation working on the ground but soon realised that a much more strategic ‘bigger picture’ response was needed to achieve any kind of tangible change.
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Marina Reyneke
Founding Director and Operations Manager
Marina has been volunteering with the NFN since January 2014. She has been involved in community work for the past 25 years and is well connected to a large network of people, many of which, just like herself, are dedicated to fighting injustices related to poverty, gender inequality, racism and human trafficking.
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Adv. Palesa Mafisa
Director
Palesa is an advocate based in Johannesburg. She obtained her LLB and LLM degrees at UFS and was admitted as an advocate at the age of 24 and has also been admitted to the Johannesburg Bar, where she currently holds Chambers.
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Dr. Amanda van der Westhuizen
Director and Research Coordinator
Amanda is a Counselling Psychologist with 13 years Diverse Private Clinical Practice experience and 7 years of teaching psychology in Higher Education. Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Psychology.
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Dr. Marcel van der Watt
Director and Case Consultant
Marcel is a lecturer and researcher. He was a member of the South African Police Service for 10 years where he worked as hostage negotiator and investigator attached to the Hawks and Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit.
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