The Communities and Justice Programme is a community-driven initiative designed to empower individuals with a deeper understanding of the criminal justice system and the roles of its practitioners. The programme fosters direct engagement between participants and law enforcement agencies, promoting dialogue to build trust, strengthen relationships and enhance confidence in the justice system. It also educates participants about their rights when interacting with law enforcement.
The Communities and Justice Course consists of eleven after-school sessions, culminating in certificates awarded to successful participants. Each participating school selects 100 or more learners to join the programme, which is implemented annually across nine provinces.
Communities and Justice Programme Sessions [click here]
After completing the 11 sessions, learners in the programme are encouraged to partake in an essay competition with the topic: “What can learners do to prevent crime in their community.” The essay competition winners proceed to the twin sister programme: Youth4SaferSouthAfrica Debate and Leadership Development Programme.
Community Empowerment:
The Safer South Africa Foundation’s Communities and Justice Programme (CJP) promotes community engagement, social justice awareness, and personal development among school learners. Due to high demand, the Express CJP was introduced, engaging entire schools through assembly sessions led by criminal justice system stakeholders. Implemented in primary schools, high schools, and communities, it fosters widespread awareness and responsibility.
Communities and Justice Programme – Out-of-School Youth
The Safer South Africa Foundation, in partnership with Harmony Mine, launched the Communities and Justice Programme to empower out-of-school youth in North West, Free State, and Gauteng. This initiative was inspired by the pressing reality that while learners in schools face criminal activities, out-of-school youth are particularly vulnerable to being inducted into criminality due to unemployment.
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Anglo American also played a vital role in supporting the implementation of this impactful programme in North West, further extending its reach and influence. Together, these collaborations aim to create safer, more resilient communities by addressing the root causes of youth involvement in crime.
