Awareness for Child Trafficking Africa (ACT Africa)
Introduction
ACT Africa: Saving lives through awareness & education & focusing on preventing and breaking cycles of Human/Child Trafficking & GBV&F across Africa & beyond
Category
Community Development & Human Rights
Human Rights & Advocacy
About
Origins of ACT Africa:
ACT Africa was founded by Hilary Leong and Matthew Mensah, both deeply committed to the fight against Human Trafficking and Gender-Based Violence (GBV). As board members of The Karabo Mokoena Foundation, they spent years working with rescued children, participating in awareness campaigns, and advocating for systemic change. Recognising the urgent need for a structured organisation dedicated to combating Child Trafficking and GBV, Hilary proposed ACT Africa, an initiative designed to address these crises not only in South Africa but across the entire African continent.
•Matthew brings extensive experience in humanitarian work, having led peace campaigns in Liberia and Sierra Leone with the United Nations, as well as working with UN WFP to Stop Child Hunger. In 2017, he established the Continental Stop Trafficking Campaign in collaboration with South Africa’s Ministry of Home Affairs.
•Hilary's humanitarian journey began in her teens, shaped by both personal experience and a deep empathy for vulnerable communities. Having survived an abduction at the age of 13, she transformed her trauma into a lifelong mission to protect others. Before 2015, Hilary served on the management boards of centres supporting vulnerable women. Since 2015, she has been actively engaged in counter‑trafficking efforts, conducting rescue searches for missing children and leading advocacy campaigns across Africa.
•ACT Africa was officially established in August 2019, born out of the founders' passion and determination to break the cycles of exploitation and violence. Today, the organisation is led by 7 Board Directors and supported by an Advisory Management Committee comprising 3 dedicated members, ensuring sustainable impact and meaningful change.
ACT Africa's Core Objectives:
•Awareness & Education: We educate communities about Human Trafficking and Gender-Based Violence (GBV), focusing on prevention and the long-term effects of exploitation.
•Victim Support & Referral: We provide immediate assistance to victims and facilitate escalated referrals for sustainable recovery and rehabilitation.
•Targeted GBV Campaigns: Our specialised initiatives include educating the Boy Child on respectful treatment of women, fostering positive behavioural change from an early age.
•Poverty & Disaster Alleviation: Recognising the link between economic instability and heightened vulnerability to trafficking and GBV, we conduct food and clothing drives to support at-risk communities.
•Addressing Root Causes: We develop life-skills workshops that equip youth with tools to combat drug addiction, alcohol abuse, and teenage pregnancy—key contributors to domestic violence.
•Ongoing Projects: ACT Africa actively combats Human Trafficking and Gender-Based Violence (GBV) through awareness, education, and prevention initiatives. Our programs target both victims and those at risk of becoming victims or perpetrators. Key projects include Orphanage Africa, Self-Defence Workshops, Poverty & Disaster Relief, and Let’s Look After Our Children.
•Our flagship initiative, the No to Violence (N2V) Boardgame, was successfully launched in August 2024 in South Africa (Gauteng & Durban), providing children/adults (ages 10 upwards) with an engaging educational tool to learn about GBV prevention and recently the Yes 2 Kindness Puzzle for ages 5-10. Additionally, the Stop the Traffick Boardgame is in its advanced phase of development, continuing our efforts to equip young learners with the knowledge to recognise and prevent exploitation.
•We recognise that times of disaster, natural or man-made, such as pandemics, climate change, war, and poverty, create the perfect storm for human traffickers to prey on vulnerable individuals. Our projects focus on prevention, ensuring communities are equipped with the resources to break these cycles of exploitation.
•Implementation & Sustainability: ACT Africa’s projects are designed for long-term impact, beginning in South Africa and scaling across Africa to drive systemic change. In addition to direct interventions, we emphasise sustainability through poverty alleviation, infrastructure improvements, skills development (self-defence, sustainable farming, and financial literacy), and the effective management of orphanages and shelters.
NPO / NGO / PBO Number
234-418 NPO / PBO Number 930069833
Physical Address
Gauteng. South Africa
Coverage Area
National
Contact Information
Hilary Leong
info@actafrica.org.za
+27825610621
https://www.actafrica.org.za
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How the Public Can Help
Donate
Fundraise
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Volunteer
Current Needs / Wish List
ACT Africa – Urgent Call for Support
Saving Lives Through Awareness & Education
Current Needs
1. Operational Funding
• Keep ACT Africa’s life-saving programs running
• Sustain advocacy, prevention, and survivor support across Africa
2. No2Violence (N2V) Educational GBV Boardgame
• For ages 10+
• Interactive tool to educate, prevent, and break cycles of violence
• Focused on Gender-Based Violence & Femicide (GBV&F)
• Empowers youth to recognize and resist harmful behaviors
3. Yes2Kindness Puzzle
• For children ages 5–10
• Promotes kindness, empathy, and respect from an early age
• Builds resilience and positive social behavior to prevent future violence
Why Your Support Matters
• Every Rand, Dollar, Euro saves lives by protecting children and communities
• Education breaks cycles of exploitation and violence
• Kindness restores hope and dignity for future generations
• Helps keep ACT Africa operational so we can continue saving lives
Call to Action
Partner with ACT Africa today.
Your funding ensures safety, empowerment, and lasting change across the continent.
Contact: hilary.l@actafrica.org.za / +27 82 561 0621
Website: https://www.actafrica.org.za
Donation Links
https://payment.payfast.io/eng/process/payment/2c322ed5-2586-4d4e-a9b5-93165fafb4ca
Admin & Management
Date Organisation Was Established
03/09/2019
Organisation Structure
Public Benefit Organisation
B-BBEE Level or Tax Certificate Status
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