THE NPA’S ROLE IN BUILDING A BROADER MORALITY TO REDUCE CRIME: GOOD CITIZENSHIP

1. THE NPA’S ROLE IN BUILDING A BROADER MORALITY TO REDUCE CRIME: GOOD CITIZENSHIP Group 1 29 March 2007

2. Rapporteur Praveen Naidoo Ethics Institute of SA

3. Objective This session was intended to explore ways in which the NPA could contribute to building a broader morality in society and in so doing, help reduce crime levels and increase the effectiveness of the Criminal Justice System.

4. Our approach • Overview of the current ethical climate in SA • Acknowledgement • No prescription without proper diagnosis • Current moral/ethical concerns • Causes of our moral decay • Society's role in the re-building process • The NPA’s role in the re-building process • Recommendations

5. Current concerns • Gross moral degradation in society • Appears to be a global trend – cannot condone • True that the Constitution guarantees equality, however, there is a perception that some are more equal than others • Previous issues about race are now turning to issues of class • Divide between the rich and poor is increasing • Our preoccupation with our safety and security - undermining our democracy • General perception of lawlessness • No respect of the law > negative off-shoot emergence of vigilante groups, which fuel the negative perception that government cannot cope • Thriving security industry – we are becoming disempowered • Restriction of movement • Violation of human rights • Sense of entitlement • Extreme materialism – Gauteng • Status of the Moral Regeneration Movement • No clear message from our leadership regarding a set of SA norms and values • Lack of a sense of identity – sense of purpose • Many are in a state of denial – self reflection (we need to look at ourselves)

6. Causes • Lack of education • Lack of ownership • Extreme poverty • Unemployment • Lack of self respect/self-worth • Lack of knowledge/information • Ill-informed meanings of democracy leading to self-interests • Materialism • Public apathy • Culture of victimisation • Lack of Ubuntu • Media’s role in promoting the wrong values • Advancement in technology • Crimes of need escalate into crimes of greed • Perception of leniency - CJS • GINI coefficient (gap between wealthy and poor) - deserves serious attention

7. Causes (cont) • Urbanisation – no real work or homes • Foreigners/local syndicates target children for drugs • Fear prevents people from reporting crime/impimpi culture • No hope for the future • Lack of responsibility, accountability and ownership by community and individuals • Unwillingness to make moral judgments • Lack of purpose • Lack of visibility of SAPS, NPA, other law enforcement agencies and good leaders in community • Non-accessibility of CJS • Norms and values of the different types of families • Bribery/corruption of law enforcement officers / prosecutors leads to undermining of law • Rights have been emphasised without the accompanying obligations and responsibilities • CJS is not working properly • General lack of confidence and trust in entire CJS due to corruption, poor service delivery and lack of resources • Lack of buy-in from communities of government policies/legislations • Integrity and values of leaders often questionable – eg legalising of prostitution is repugnant to communities • Lack of respect for self and others • Disempowering socio-economic conditions – becoming more prevalent

8. Society’s role • Dove-tail on the moral regeneration movement • National drive - for credibility • More integrated approach required • Move away from the present silo mentality • Integration of Departmental Initiatives • Department of Education and Social Development - DOJ • Department of Social Development stopping funding of Khulisa • Form partnerships with the community outreach initiatives • Private/Public partnerships • NGOs/Faith Based Organisations • Programs must start at homes, at grass-root levels • Media has to take responsibility in playing a more positive role

9. Proposed role of the NPA • Focus on schools and school governing bodies • Focus groups eg NGO’s and ward committees • Educate communities in prevention of crime • Building partnerships with other relevant stakeholders • Community conversations • Link up with existing structures • NPA to adopt draft charter of Positive Values

10. Proposed role of the NPA (Cont…) • Inform communities about NPA Code of Conduct • Communicate NPA interventions and initiatives • Role of community prosecutors to be extended • NPA should be more involved and visible in the community • Minimum standards for NPA on integrity should be communicated to communities • Behaviour of NPA officials should be exemplary

11. Proposed role of the NPA (Cont…) • NPA should be more involved in community forums • Identify public benefit organisation within the NPA but independent thereof, which will involve stakeholders and will ensure tax benefits for stakeholders • NPA should have assessment periods to determine its impact • NPA should ensure that the media are partners in its public education programmes

12. Overview – NPA involvement Civic morality – choosing to do the right thing, taking a stand against crime and encouraging others to do the same It means – • Knowing the law • Abiding by the law • Reporting crimes • Testifying in court • Getting involved in CJS • Participating in CPF‘s • Engaging in neighbourhood watches • Participating in voluntary activities in crime fighting

13. Recommendations Two pronged approach is needed • Long term • Future generations – so that we don’t continue cycle of moral degradation • Short term • Current status quo – we need a different strategy to start the reversal process – one that is more drastic

14. Thank You