This paper aims to illustrate the plight of victims of human trafficking for involuntary prostitution. A theoretical frame‐work to elucidate the vulnerability of young women and girls to human trafficking is provided, particularly within the socio-economic and socio-cultural context within which human trafficking in South Africa occurs. South African responses to human trafficking are identified, taking into account the fact that the relevant legislation has not yet been passed into law, because certain social and legal politics are preventing the rapid processing of this law. A strategy or policy that could effectively reduce the human trafficking of young women and girls for sexual exploitation in South Africa is proposed.