At least 40,000 prostitutes from around the world are making
their way to South Africa hoping to make a fortune from soccer fans
at the World Cup that kicks off next month.
Authorities have predicted the influx of sex workers to greet at
least 500,000 foreign fans, according to Christian Science
Monitor.
Most of them are from South Africa's impoverished neighbouring
countries. Not just that, a hotel boss has also revealed that
prostitutes have arrived from as far away as China, Venezuela and
Pakistan.
Human rights activists warn that many of the women have been
trafficked.
They have also urged hotels to shun the sex trade.
In extremely poor parts of Zimbabwe, some women have left their
husbands to travel to South Africa.
"Marriages are fast breaking up with women choosing to stay
alone in South Africa's hotels and lodges," a villager in southern
Zimbabwe tells the Christian Science Monitor.
"But the most unfortunate part, is what are they going to do
after the World Cup?"
The event is no stranger to sex trade. The 2006 World Cup in
Germany, where brothels and prostitution is legalised, brought on
an influx of about 40,000 sex workers and a lot of criticism from
rights groups.
