Trafficking Stole My Dreams, But Hope Found Me Again

A Survivor’s Journey from Exploitation to Empowerment in Lesotho

By: Reentseng Phephetho, Communications and Digital Officer, Lesotho

 “I was truly excited about the job and envisioned my dream coming true.” For 31-year-old ‘Mampho* (not her real name), a phone call on the 24th of October 2023 brought a glimmer of hope. Unemployed for years, she was overjoyed when her friend told her they had secured work opportunities in South Africa and needed to report the next day.

 “With the way things are in Lesotho, I had almost lost hope. But that day, I felt like God had finally remembered me,” she recalls. Encouraged by her mother, who believed this could change their lives, ‘Mampho packed her belongings and left her young son behind, her heart full of dreams and determination. 

A New Beginning That Turned into a Nightmare 

The two friends were picked up by a man at the Maputsoe border and transported to Welkom, South Africa. But upon arrival, they were lodged in separate accommodations and from that moment, everything changed. “The next morning, I was told I’d be working at a guest house, earning R2,500 per month,” she said. “But I was also told I would have to borrow money for food and necessities with 35% interest. I didn’t question it. I just wanted to work and provide for my son.” 

Later that day, the supposed guesthouse owner asked to speak with her privately. She assumed he was welcoming her but instead, he demanded to sleep with her. When she refused, he forced himself on her. “I told him no! I was here to work, but he didn’t care, and he raped me.” That’s when he revealed the truth: she hadn’t been hired for domestic work; she had been trafficked into a sex work operation. 

Living a Nightmare 

“He told me I was now part of his ‘business,’” she said, tears welling in her eyes. She wouldn’t see her friend for nearly a month. When they finally reunited, they shared their experiences, and to their horror, realized they were going through the same abuse. “That’s when I realized… we weren’t the only ones; every woman there was being sexually exploited.” 

Escape and Return to Lesotho 

Desperate to flee, ‘Mampho lied to her abuser, saying she needed to renew her passport. One night, she and her friend sneaked out, climbing over a wall to escape. She had only received R1,100, just enough to return to Lesotho.

 “I came back broken, traumatized and pregnant.” Haunted by her abuser’s threats, she feared for her life and her unborn child. But her mother embraced her, took her to a clinic, and together, they began the slow path to healing. “The only thing I could do was thank God she was still alive,” her mother said. 

The Journey to Healing and Empowerment 

Through support from Beautiful Dream Society, ‘Mampho received trauma counselling that helped her begin to reclaim her sense of self. “I wasn’t alone. I wasn’t the first to go through this. Therapy made me feel alive again.”

 Then, World Vision Lesotho, through the European Union funded Promotion and Protection of Human Rights (PPHR) Project, offered her a lifeline. After identifying her as a trafficking survivor, they supported her with an income generating activity aligned with her interests.

‘Mampho received six pigs and 13 bags of feed to start her own piggery. “Today, my pigs are doing well. I’ve already slaughtered two and sold the meat to support my daughter, who is now a year old,” she shared with pride.

From Victim to Survivor 

Though the trauma remains, ‘Mampho is no longer defined by her past. She is building a new life with dignity and purpose. “I feel empowered and wiser. I’m not just a survivor; I’m rebuilding my life.” Her message to others is urgent and clear: 

“Traffickers prey on our desperation. Please, Basotho, be careful. No job is worth your freedom, your dignity, or your life.” 

Support Survivors. Raise Awareness. Take Action. 

This story is shared in commemoration of the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, a reminder of the human lives behind the statistics and the resilience of those who survive. Let’s stand together to prevent trafficking, protect vulnerable people, and support survivors like ‘Mampho to rebuild their lives.

 Let's Pledge to End Exploitation