Run for human trafficking survivors

Damian Jutzi is running the Slave Route Challenge half marathon on Sunday June 1 in support of Not I But We, a social enterprise that provides skills training and employment for human trafficking and gender-based violence survivors.

- JANICE MATTHEWS [e-mail]

The Slave Route Challenge, now in its 13th year, retraces the paths of those who were once enslaved, passing several heritage landmarks of cultural and historical significance, including the Castle of Good Hope, District Six, Bo-Kaap, and the Company's Garden.

"We should never forget what an important role slaves played throughout the history of South Africa," says the Swiss expat, a Kirstenhof resident who is running in honour of the people who built Cape Town.

"Yet, modern slavery still exists, so I want to use the opportunity to raise $200 for each kilometre for "Not I But We."

The 21.1km fund-raiser hopes to raise R75 000 in total.

"South Africa is considered a recruitment, transit, and destination country for victims of human trafficking. Moreover, access to job opportunities for survivors of trafficking is very limited in Cape Town," says Mr Jutzi, who works as a human resources and business development manager with his wife, Sabine Jutzi, who is a social worker at Not I But We.