The Communities and Justice Programme is a flagship of the Safer South Africa Foundation (SSAF), initiated in 2012. It is a community-based programme aimed at strengthening partnerships in crime prevention.

In a quest to fulfill its goal to empower and mobilise communities in the ‘fight against crime’, the Safer South Africa Foundation engages schools; civil-based organisations; government; and members of society to foster a safe and confident nation that is aware of its civil rights and responsibilities.

This engagement has directed the Foundation into developing the Communities and Justice Programme, which at its heart seeks to improve the service relationship of the South African Criminal Justice System and the community.

The programme initiates dialogue and creates an interactive “getting-to-know-each other” platform for communities and the law enforcement practitioners.

The Communities and Justice Programme

seeks to dispel myths communities may hold about the Criminal Justice System by exposing participants to facilities such as the police stations, courts and correctional facilities for experiential learning.

To empower learners by exposing them to the roles of the various law enforcement agents (police, traffic, correctional and court officials).

To create a platform for learners to interact face to face with the law enforcement agents to enhance trust and confidence in the criminal justice system.

To empower the learners with regard to their individual rights and responsibilities in their interaction with the law enforcement agents.

To encourage participation in community based crime prevention initiatives.

  • The programme is envisaged to assist the participants to:

Acquire knowledge on basic information on the functioning of the South African criminal justice system;

Understand the policies that regulate the various law enforcement agents in the execution of their duties;

Know the rights and responsibilities of individuals in their interaction with the law enforcement agents and

Acquire skills that enable them to engage meaningfully; hold the service providers accountable; and to participate optimally in community based crime prevention initiatives.