FUNDRAISING NEWS FROM ABOARD
South African women in London take a leap for charity!
Jenine Steenekamp of the NICRO UK TRUST, challenged all ladies with a heart for South Africa to enter the annual Hydro Active 5km Women’s Challenge, which took place in Hyde Park London on the 16th September. This year 15,000 people entered the event.
44 participants joined in the fun in aid of NICRO, which was generously sponsored by Nando’s. Read more
First National Bank pledges over R500,000 to NICRO for the “hidden victims of crime”
The children of imprisoned parents are one of the most vulnerable sectors of society. NICRO identified them as the “hidden victims of crime”, as their plight as prisoners’ children remain largely ignored by society. These children face enormous challenges as they try to cope with the psychological and emotional trauma when a parent is removed as the family unit is destabilized and the loss of the breadwinner results in financial distress. Evidence exists that very often these children become perpetrators of the law. Four out of every 1,000 South Africans are in prison. Many of these incarcerated men and women are parents.
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Colloquium on Indigenous Practice within the Context of Restorative Justice and Non Custodial Responses to Youth Crime 20-22 June 2007
A very successful first ever colloquium with traditional indigenous leaders was held on 20 -22nd June 2007 at Cape Town, bringing together 60 dedicated participants from around the country to converse around the theme of integrating indigenous practices into our psycho-social interventions and justice processes.
NICRO Executive Director, Soraya Solomon (far right) with Shanaaz Stofberg,PA to Exectuve Director, (centre) and Yashina Pillay, NICRO Northern Regional Manager (far left ) at the colloquium dinner.
The focus was particularly on young offenders and reintegration of offenders, and the role of traditional leaders and traditional courts. One of the major insights to emerge was the recognition that traditional justice practices, particularly in respect to young offenders, are inherently restorative in nature. The role of traditional leadership in assisting with the reintegration of ex-prisoners was also highlighted.
The colloquium met its aim of engaging with traditional leadership around this theme and exploring the potential for further partnership to develop joint endeavours.
The South African Youth Choir entertained guests at the banquet on the opening night of the Indigenous Practices Colloquium hosted by NICRO in June at the St Georges Hotel, Cape Town. Advocate Mahumane - a Chief From the House of Traditional Leaders, could not resist jumping up to join in the fun......
PRESS RELEASES
Press Release: The Death of Muniba Kruger
25 March 2008
The violent death of Muniba Kruger, allegedly at the hands of her father, an ex-prisoner, has once again focussed attention on issues related to bail, awaiting trial, rehabilitation and parole.
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NICRO’s submission on the Child Justice Bill proposes that proper Assessment and Diversion be allowed for all children regardless of age or offence.
Arina Smit,
19 February 2008
In the light of the latest crime statistics and the recent flood of reported violent acts by children and youth, it is critical that the legislators of the country recognize that, in order to effectively wipe out this endemic phenomenon, the first priority should be to create the necessary tools and services to assess, evaluate and determine an appropriate response and plan for each child. If a crime or an offence is committed perpetrators have to be held accountable; in the case of children though, it should be made clear that the behaviour of a child-offender can not be compared to that of an adult offender. The misinformed perception that exists is crime is crime and they must pay, regardless.
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NICRO welcomes the recently announced review of the Criminal Justice System.
Celia Dawson. Deputy Executive Director,
12 November 2007
It has been evident for some time that the different components of the Criminal Justice system, viz the courts, including the magistrates and prosecutors, the police and the prisons operate as separate planning and implementing entities. They have separate and different strategic objectives, strategic and operational plans, and of course different political leadership. Even in instances where Departments account to the same political head, as in the case of the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development, you will find the organisational components within the Department pursuing matters separately.
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NICRO turning the tide on crime
Karin Blumer,
29 October 2007
The senseless killing of Lucky Dube caused an outcry among law-abiding citizens and outlaws alike.
Prisoners in Pretoria serving time for violent crimes voiced their outrage by signing a petition stating: "Though we are serving sentences for crimes similar to this one, we feel we have wronged our nation and there is no justification for this barbaric act. This is our way of apologizing to the community and a sign that we have changed."
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DIVERSION PROGRAMMES
Cheryl Goodenough,
KZN Mercury
26 September 2007
Some offenders who commit petty crimes that do not warrant criminal penalties are being given the opportunity to participate in diversion programmes. The aim of such restorative justice initiatives is to rehabilitate offenders and the result is that the participants who successfully complete such programmes avoid having a criminal record which may impact on their future. The initiatives are often offered to young offenders, but even adults who are charged with minor offences and are willing to accept responsibility for their actions, may be able to participate in diversion programmes.
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YOUTH-ON-YOUTH VIOLENCE
25 September 2007
South Africa is gripped by a wave of teenage violence which defies any reason. Very young children, as young as 12 and 14 years, have perpetrated deeds so violent and cruel, resulting in the deaths of equally young and vulnerable victims.
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NICRO urges South African women to stand up to crime
07 August 2007
Mothers of crime victims such as Simphiwe Mokhahlu, Brett Goldin, baby Jordan Leigh Norton, Mikayla Rossouw and Steven Siebert continue their lives with the knowledge that crime should be prevented and combated with all means available to the state and those responsible for our safety and security. They continue with the knowledge that every individual has to be involved to make a difference in our crime ridden society.
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VISION
To build and strengthen a democratic society, based on human rights principles through crime prevention and development.
MISSION
NICRO, as a national non-profit organisation, regards crime as a threat to democracy and individual rights. Through people centred development and services to victims, offenders and communities, NICRO strengthens a human rights culture and a safer South Africa. To this end NICRO engages in lobbying and advocacy, capacity building, direct service delivery and research. NICRO adheres to the principles of good governance and sound environmental practices.
