If the "outcasts of society" in prisons in South Africa publicly admit to the error of their ways, it proves that inmates languishing in correctional facilities can be afforded a second chance in order to make amends, to turn their lives around, to become viable citizens. This provides a platform for a restorative justice approach whereby perpetrators acknowledge their wrongdoing.

"Restore the moral fibre of the people" was also the message of President Mbeki at the 2007 opening of parliament.

Restorative justice is the appropriate solution to establish a mind shift. NICRO's programmes for individuals in conflict with the law, restores and heals through personal- and life-skills training, teaching socially acceptable solutions. Youth-at-risk and ex-offenders are taught to accept responsibility for their actions, understanding that they have wronged society and to make amends. This approach should be extended to skills training and economic opportunities for conflicted individuals in order to be successfully reintegrated into their communities.

Crime is only a symptom of the "dis'ease. A holistic approach to dealing with the disease, which will include both law enforcement and restorative justice approaches, will give us a meaningful chance at turning the tide on crime.

The following "success story" illustrates that restorative justice holds the key to change persons in conflict with the law!

ZWANO'S STORY

Currently a student studying law and criminology at university, life has not always looked so good for 23-year old Zwano.

At the age of 17 and in grade nine at the time, he was arrested for possession of dagga. NICRO'S diversion programme helped him to change his life around.

"I never thought that I would be able to go to university. Now I walk proud knowing that I'm different from others in my community. I have NICRO, as well as some other people, to thank for that," Zwano said.

"It is about a self-realisation. It all lies with the individual understanding the implications of crime. It is not about someone saying 'don't do crime'. An organisation such as NICRO has a role to play, but it is up to the individual."

For him the impact of the programme was partly due to understanding the implications of crime on the victims, his family and the economy.

His hope for the future is that programmes that teach life skills will be offered increasingly at a younger age and in schools.

"We need to have programmes that address these issues proactively. We have offenders that are eight or nine years old. The current life skills programmes that are offered in schools deal with things like how to brush teeth, but we need to be focusing on issues that relate to the escalating crime."

Zwano emphasized that he does not intend to defend criminals when he obtains his law degree, but plans to conduct research on crime-related issues.