Surviving on the proceeds of prostitution

In all Southern African countries prostitution or sex work, as it is sometimes referred to, is illegal. The economies of most Southern African countries are intertwined meaning that what happens in one of the countries may be felt across the region.

The political situation in neighbouring Zimbabwe is a classic example following the disputed 2008 presidential elections that many believed Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) won, handing ZANU-PF its first electoral defeat since independence from colonial master, Britain.  As a result of the contested elections, many Zimbabweans crossed the border in search of better opportunities.  However, the trek for such opportunities began long before then when it became apparent that they were few and far in between.  So many Zimbabweans in the diaspora eked a living in neighbouring countries, where some could only find menial work.