The U.S. State Department placed South Africa on a human trafficking watchlist, stating that it does not “fully meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking.”
The 2025 report reviews global efforts to tackle forced labor, sex trafficking, and other forms of modern slavery.
South Africa was downgraded to the “Tier 2 Watch List” after failing to show “overall increasing efforts” compared to last year.
While officials launched the country’s first sub-provincial task team and secured some convictions, the report said fewer cases were investigated, prosecuted, and victims identified.
It also flagged gaps in monitoring labor abuse in sectors like mining and agriculture.
Other African countries listed alongside South Africa on the Tier 2 Watch List include Algeria, Djibouti, Zimbabwe, Rwanda, Niger, Burkina Faso, Congo (Republic and DRC), Cabo Verde, and Liberia.
Being on the watchlist means countries risk U.S. sanctions unless they ramp up their response—this includes better protection for victims and tougher punishment for traffickers.
