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 the 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 (TIP).
Mission
To effectively fight trafficking in persons through strategic networking, collaboration, and partnership.
Programme Areas
Support
Our Survivor Mobilisation Project (SMP) is the cornerstone of our Support Services. Through the SMP, we are committed to seeing victims of human trafficking become survivors and thrivers in our society. In addition to the SMP, the NFN is committed to supporting victims, survivors and thrivers by providing them with safe accommodation and basic needs such as food and clothing. In the medium-term, the NFN plans to enhance its Support Services Program by providing psycho-social support and mental health services.
Equip
We assess training needs for our Network members and then source specific capacity-building opportunities, to upskill and strengthen the collective. Several government officials attend these sessions.
Connect
Networking plays a crucial role for the National Freedom Network in achieving its mission and goals. By fostering connections with individuals, organizations, and communities, NFN can amplify its reach, enhance collaboration, and share vital resources. Building a strong network facilitates the exchange of ideas and best practices and empowers the organization to mobilize support, advocate for its cause, and drive impactful change. Ultimately, effective networking is essential for NFN to create lasting relationships that advance its objectives and strengthen its presence in the nonprofit sector. Our application, NFN Online, is central to our networking service that we provide to counter-trafficking stakeholders in South Africa and globally through our international affiliations.
Advocate
As part of our Advocacy programme, the NFN is a key member of civil society on the National Intersectoral Committee for Trafficking in Persons, several provincial task teams including Gauteng, Western Cape and Kwa-Zulu Natal and is an active participant in various counter-trafficking forums and coalitions. Through the afore-mentioned structures, the NFN is actively engaged in the development of policies that seek to prevent and combat human trafficking.
Furthermore, the NFN plays a pivotal role in all research that is conducted on human trafficking in South Africa. Researchers must undergo a vetting process with the NFN to ensure that they meet research requirements, including having the correct ethical clearance necessary to conduct their research. We then connect researchers with the most relevant stakeholders in the field for their research.
Prevent
Information sessions aimed at raising awareness of trafficking in persons are an ad hoc function we provide upon request. However, we can refer the public to our members who specialize in prevention and awareness-raising.
Board Members
Dr Onyi Nwaneri
Chairperson
Onyi is the Managing Director of Sesame Workshop International South Africa, an international not for profit company that operates in the intersection of education, media and research. Sesame Workshop’s mission is to help children everywhere grow smarter, stronger and kinder.
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Diane Wilkinson
Founding Director
Diane has a business degree in Human Resource Management, and is also a qualified TEFL Teacher. She first learned about Human Trafficking in 2009, right after returning to South Africa from South Korea. She joined a local organisation working on the ground but soon realised that a ‘bigger picture’ response was required in order to achieve any kind of tangible change.
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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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Marina Reyneke
Founding Director and Operations
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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Robyn Phillips
Director
Robyn is a Chartered Accountant and member of SAICA. She started volunteering with the NFN in 2019 and joined the Board of Directors as Treasurer in 2023.
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