Inauguration used to highlight human trafficking

Mathokwane, dressed in black jacket and matching pants, has a note across his stomach written 'Human trafficking. Now Nigeria - who is next? Where can we hide our girls from Boko?'

Mathokwane, dressed in black jacket and matching pants, has a note across his stomach written 'Human trafficking. Now Nigeria - who is next? Where can we hide our girls from Boko?'

Published May 24, 2014

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Pretoria - A businessman from the Eastern Cape is using the presidential inauguration at the Union Buildings to raise awareness to human trafficking and dangers faced by girls.

Mongezi Mathokwane said his actions were prompted by the abduction of 276 schoolgirls by Nigerian armed group Boko Haram.

Boko Haram allegedly stormed the all-girl secondary school, packed the teenagers, who had been taking exams, onto trucks and disappeared into a remote area along the border with Cameroon.

They are yet to be found, and the group has threatened to sell them.

Mathokwane, dressed in black jacket and matching pants, has a note across his stomach written “Human trafficking. Now Nigeria - who is next? Where can we hide our girls from Boko?”

The businessman, who arrived in Pretoria early on Saturday for the inauguration, said he saw a need to use the occasion to raise awareness to dangers facing young girls.

He said teenage girls were always vulnerable to syndicates because of the perceived love for material things such as big cars and lots of money.

It is up to parents and the society at large to look after girls and protect them from bad elements, he said

Matokwane's face lit up when he spoke of the second inauguration of the president they call Msholozi.

“During election time everyone was shouting and singing for Zuma. I had to be here and see for myself,” the 49 year old said. - Pretoria News Weekend

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