justice freedom security S t a k e h o l d e r C o n f e r e n c e – M a r c h NATIONAL PROSECUTING AUTHORITY THE NPA’S ROLE IN BUILDING A BROADER MORALITY TO REDUCE CRIME: GOOD CITIZENSHIP Group 1 29 March 2007

NPA S t a k e h o l d e r C o n f e r e n c e - M a r c h justice freedom security Rapporteur Praveen Naidoo Ethics Institute of SA

NPA S t a k e h o l d e r C o n f e r e n c e - M a r c h justice freedom security 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.

NPA S t a k e h o l d e r C o n f e r e n c e - M a r c h justice freedom security 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

NPA S t a k e h o l d e r C o n f e r e n c e - M a r c h justice freedom security 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)

NPA S t a k e h o l d e r C o n f e r e n c e - M a r c h justice freedom security 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

NPA S t a k e h o l d e r C o n f e r e n c e - M a r c h justice freedom security 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

NPA S t a k e h o l d e r C o n f e r e n c e - M a r c h justice freedom security 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

NPA S t a k e h o l d e r C o n f e r e n c e - M a r c h justice freedom security 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

NPA S t a k e h o l d e r C o n f e r e n c e - M a r c h justice freedom security 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

NPA S t a k e h o l d e r C o n f e r e n c e - M a r c h justice freedom security 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

NPA S t a k e h o l d e r C o n f e r e n c e - M a r c h justice freedom security 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

NPA S t a k e h o l d e r C o n f e r e n c e - M a r c h justice freedom security 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

NPA S t a k e h o l d e r C o n f e r e n c e - M a r c h justice freedom security Thank You