Safe communities of opportunity: A strategy for a safe South Africa

Abstract

This thesis will propose a strategy for a Safe South Africa through the implementation of a model for a “Safe Community of Opportunity”. The model is the outcome of work undertaken over the course of the past five years and draws from widely inclusive consultation and literature review. Crime, violence and resulting unsafety are issues of deep concern for most South Africans (AFSSA 2008). Criminal justice responses, despite heavy investment and efforts by the State to increase and improve capacity to ensure effective law enforcement, remain inadequate to achieve safety (van der Spuy & Rontsch 2007). This study aims to contribute to preventive approaches to address unsafety (ICPC 2008). It does not aim to recommend significant or structural changes to the Criminal Justice System, and the enquiry does not focus on criminal justice approaches, save where they contribute to community safety in a preventative way (Muntingh 2008, Cullen & Gendreau 2000, Karth 2008, etc).