SaferSpaces Gazette 2017/18

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• SaferSpaces Gazette 2017/18 – (Advocacy)

Description

Many who live with violence day in and day out assume that it is an intrinsic part of the human condition. But this is not so. Violence can be prevented. Violent cultures can be turned around. In my own country and around the world, we have shining examples of how violence has been countered. Governments, communities and individuals can make a difference.

NELSON MANDELA

The 2016 White Paper on Safety and Security advocates for an integrated approach to the prevention of crime and violence. It recognizes that the reactive nature of a criminal justice approach needs to be complemented by long-term developmental strategies, which aim at a) reducing incidents of people in conflict with the law, and b) increasing levels of safety in communities across South Africa.

The strategies must be knowledge-based, and they require the participation of government, communities and the citizens of this country. Further, the strategies must protect the most vulnerable in our society. In 2017, we were once again faced with the scourge of violence against women and children in South Africa – this continues to be a major challenge for the country. The 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence Campaign, highlights the need for all of us to join hands in eradicating violence in our society.

SaferSpaces is envisioned to serve as a key support mechanism for the implementation of the 2016 White Paper on Safety and Security, which advocates an integrated approach to violence and crime prevention, informed by a sound knowledge base and active community participation.

In May 2017, the Civilian Secretariat for Police Service (CSPS) assumed the responsibility for managing SaferSpaces with the support and guidance from a cross-sectoral Advisory Group. The Advisory Group is a core group of government departments and non-governmental institutions that are committed to strategically promote, contribute to and guide SaferSpaces.

SaferSpaces is an online portal for safety and violence prevention practitioners, working towards violence prevention and community safety in South Africa, where they can find safety related information and resources, showcase their work, share information, connect with and learn from each other.

This Gazette provides an overview of innovative interventions implemented by non-governmental organisations (NGOs), institutions and government aimed at preventing crime and violence. It also includes blogs from practitioners in the field of safety and security. If you are practitioner, I encourage you to join the SaferSpaces community and start sharing your knowledge with others. South Africa will prosper under safer communities.

Let’s work together for a safer South Africa!

Masibulele Yaso
Civilian Secretariat for Police Service

Makhosi Buthelezi
Civilian Secretariat for Police Service

Matlakala Mosane
Civilian Secretariat for Police Service

Bilkis Omar
Civilian Secretariat for Police Service

Matsetsebale Tleane
GIZ Inclusive Violence and Crime Prevention Programme

Giselle Warton
Institute for Safety Governance and Criminology