Date: 04/08/2005
Source: Department of Correctional Services
Title: Balfour: Joint SACC and DCS National Prayer Service
Address by the Minister of Correctional Services, Mr BMN Balfour, MP, at the joint SACC and DCS National Prayer Service held at the Regina Mundi Church, Soweto
Esteemed Leadership and Members of the South African Council of Churches
Ministers of Religion, Participating Dignitaries and Community Leaders
Representatives of Community Organisations,
NICRO, SANCA, Khulisa, the National Youth Commission and Business Against Crime National Commissioner, Management and Members of DCS
Former offenders and their families
Fellow Worshippers
Ladies and Gentlemen
It is significant that we are gathered at a venue that holds pride of place in the lives of so many South Africans. Choosing Regina Mundi as the place where we can join hands in prayer is no coincidence. It is a Church not only rich in history but also a home of reconciliation and peace. It is here where many of us sought refuge. It is a place where we sought protection. But it is also a place where we have learnt to come to terms with those issues that impacted on our very existence as citizens of this country and where we have learnt to, in the words of our Lord’s Prayer, forgive those who trespass against us.
This occasion that has been made possible by the South African Council of Churches affords us the opportunity to bring praises to the Lord and to celebrate the triumph of good over evil. The SACC has always been at the forefront of the struggles of our people. When our situation appeared hopeless, the SACC gave us hope. When we were attacked and oppressed, the SACC comforted and supported us.
This relationship has not stopped because of a change in our circumstances. When I called on society to reach out to those who have erred in their ways, the SACC stepped forward and as in the past, remained true to its commitment to serve all people irrespective of our standing in society.
The involvement of the SACC and other non-governmental organisation (NGOs) community-based organisation (CBOs), faith-based organisation (FBOs) as well as organisations at large in the implementation of the remission of sentence for offenders, parolees and probationers reminded me of the following Biblical teaching:
Those who have fallen are still my family.
Too often, we want to disassociate ourselves from those who have fallen foul of the law. Too often we want to turn our backs on our brothers and sisters who have strayed. We are quick to condemn them as if we ourselves have no sin. But the support that we as Correctional Services have received since announcing the remission of sentence has been overwhelming. This support came from a cross-section of society - from the judiciary; from the police, from business; from religious leaders; from community organisations; from sections of the media; even from victims of crime.
We believe that the decision to implement the remission of sentence was a correct one. And this decision is vindicated by the support that we have received from organisations such as National Institute for Crime Prevention and Rehabilitation of Offenders (NICRO), SANCA and Khulisa who continue to pledge their support for the successful rehabilitation and reintegration of offenders.
From the outset I have made it clear that the process of remission would be a difficult one. We had to give careful consideration to the full implications of granting offenders a remission of sentence. We had to weigh its advantages against other factors such as the reaction of society, the rights of victims, re-offending by those released and a possible perception that as a government, we are soft on crime.
We always faced risks in this process but a bold decision had to be taken that would best serve the interests of everyone. Much consultation and planning went into this process and we were always clear in our minds that this was but another phase in our objective of working towards corrections being accepted as a societal responsibility. The scourge of crime in this country can never be turned around only through policing. Crime can never be fought by only imposing a tough sentencing regime. Crime can never be reduced by ostracising those guilty of crime or through locking them up and throwing away the key.
The success to fighting crime is to be found in correcting offending behaviour in our homes, our schools, our communities and in all places before offenders are incarcerated by the courts. We should not be waiting for people to be imprisoned before attempting to bring about behavioural changes. At the same time, those incarcerated should also be subjected to correction and rehabilitation with the ultimate aim of reintegrating them into society where they can lead productive, honest lives.
As we draw to the end of the 10-week period that I announced on 01 June, I want to acknowledge the tremendous role played by so many of you. Correctional Services would never have been able to successfully implement the remission of sentence without the support and involvement of society represented by a number of organisations and individuals who stepped forward and raised their hands in offering their assistance. As believers, you remained true to your faith and reached out to those who have strayed.
In this, we are reminded of Matthew 25, Verse 44 which states: “Whenever you failed to help any of my people, no matter how unimportant they seemed, you failed to do it for me.” It brings into sharp focus our responsibility as people who love our God and our people and who believe in the ethic of reaching out to all irrespective of their positions in society.
You have made it possible that the implementation of the remission of sentence caused the least possible disruption in the lives of people. You provided the support systems for those being released. You gave them a second chance. And today, I can say that the vast majority have taken that second chance and are with their families and communities as they go about rebuilding their lives. Since 13 June when we commenced with the remission of sentence, 30 704 offenders have been released from Correctional Centres throughout the country. A further 33 972 probationers and parolees have been discharged from community corrections. This might seem to be large totals but it was done in such a manner that everyone released from a Correctional Centre underwent compulsory assessments and pre-release programmes. We continually monitor the rate of re-offending and today I can report that 131 of those released have been admitted to Correctional Centres as awaiting trial detainees for alleged offences committed. They have spurned the second chance given to them and while they account for less than one percentage point of those who gained from the remission of sentences, as Correctional Services, we are following up each individual case in order to establish possible causal factors for their alleged re-offending. We believe that such interviews can contribute towards further improving the system of corrections.
I do understand that there would be those who would want to condemn the entire process because of the few who re-offended. But that would also be condemning the thousands of others who have taken the opportunity given to them to turn their lives around. My office is inundated every day with letters and calls, expressing appreciation for this second chance. These are people who genuinely regret the harm that they have done to society and are grateful that they are being trusted to change for the better.
In John 8, Verse 6 we read, “Whichever one of you has committed no sin, may throw the first stone at her.” It teaches us not to be judgmental and encourages us to see the good in everyone.
These people are now in our homes, our churches, our streets and in our communities. They have lives to rebuild. They are in need of support systems. They will be seeking employment. In some cases they have returned to a hostile environment. Some of them will rise above their circumstances. Others could be in despair. And still others could seek answers in committing crime again.
We must continue reaching out to them. I am not suggesting that we must now go overboard in our efforts to ensure that they do not do crime again. Much of the responsibility for that rests with them and they must remain accountable for their own behaviour. But as families and communities, we must become involved in their lives and through our actions, demonstrate that we truly care.
We have shown that releasing offenders from incarceration does not have to be catastrophic. As society, we condemn the crimes they have committed but embrace them as human beings. As Correctional Services, we will continue with our constitutional and moral responsibility of correcting offending behaviour and protecting society against those who show no remorse or regret for their actions. As the Church, we will continue living according the tenets of our faith and as mothers and fathers; we will continue being involved in the lives of our children.
If we want to build a society that truly cares for all, we have no choice but to take actions that will lead to such a society. I want to thank everyone who so selflessly and tirelessly made their contributions to this process. You have remained true to your faith and you have chosen the route of being a contributor instead of a critic. You have chosen to make a difference instead of being passive. You have told offenders that while you will not tolerate their wrongs, you are prepared to assist them in changing their lives.
On behalf of all those offenders who are now working to change their lives, I wish to say a big thank you. I would also like to mention the role played by my members throughout the country. They have made this remission of sentence work. From our national task team to the custodial official in the smallest correctional centre, you have made us proud. You have demonstrated that through team work, even the toughest of assignments become a pleasure to implement. The long hours spent putting in place systems and ensuring that every detail is covered in the implementation plan, could not have been easy. But never did I hear one word of dissent. From all quarters, we have received positive feedback. None of this would have been possible without your commitment and dedication.
I know that Correctional Officials are often lambasted in public for wrongs. You are publicly accused of all types of misdemeanours. But the good work that you do is never acknowledged. I stand before you and this congregation today and wish to unequivocally state that you have proven that you are true to the vision and mission of this department. With humility and pride, you delivered on your mandate as outlined in the Batho Pele principles and I wish to salute you for that.
Our work however, is not completed. We still have a long path to walk. With the continued support of the SACC and others, we can build a caring correctional system that is owned by everyone. Let the experience gained from this remission of sentence serve as a spark in the realisation of our goal of making corrections a community responsibility.
I thank you and God bless.
Issued by: Department of Correctional Services
4 August 2005
Source: Department of Correctional Services
Source: Department of Correctional Services
Title: Balfour: Joint SACC and DCS National Prayer Service
Address by the Minister of Correctional Services, Mr BMN Balfour, MP, at the joint SACC and DCS National Prayer Service held at the Regina Mundi Church, Soweto
Esteemed Leadership and Members of the South African Council of Churches
Ministers of Religion, Participating Dignitaries and Community Leaders
Representatives of Community Organisations,
NICRO, SANCA, Khulisa, the National Youth Commission and Business Against Crime National Commissioner, Management and Members of DCS
Former offenders and their families
Fellow Worshippers
Ladies and Gentlemen
It is significant that we are gathered at a venue that holds pride of place in the lives of so many South Africans. Choosing Regina Mundi as the place where we can join hands in prayer is no coincidence. It is a Church not only rich in history but also a home of reconciliation and peace. It is here where many of us sought refuge. It is a place where we sought protection. But it is also a place where we have learnt to come to terms with those issues that impacted on our very existence as citizens of this country and where we have learnt to, in the words of our Lord’s Prayer, forgive those who trespass against us.
This occasion that has been made possible by the South African Council of Churches affords us the opportunity to bring praises to the Lord and to celebrate the triumph of good over evil. The SACC has always been at the forefront of the struggles of our people. When our situation appeared hopeless, the SACC gave us hope. When we were attacked and oppressed, the SACC comforted and supported us.
This relationship has not stopped because of a change in our circumstances. When I called on society to reach out to those who have erred in their ways, the SACC stepped forward and as in the past, remained true to its commitment to serve all people irrespective of our standing in society.
The involvement of the SACC and other non-governmental organisation (NGOs) community-based organisation (CBOs), faith-based organisation (FBOs) as well as organisations at large in the implementation of the remission of sentence for offenders, parolees and probationers reminded me of the following Biblical teaching:
Those who have fallen are still my family.
Too often, we want to disassociate ourselves from those who have fallen foul of the law. Too often we want to turn our backs on our brothers and sisters who have strayed. We are quick to condemn them as if we ourselves have no sin. But the support that we as Correctional Services have received since announcing the remission of sentence has been overwhelming. This support came from a cross-section of society - from the judiciary; from the police, from business; from religious leaders; from community organisations; from sections of the media; even from victims of crime.
We believe that the decision to implement the remission of sentence was a correct one. And this decision is vindicated by the support that we have received from organisations such as National Institute for Crime Prevention and Rehabilitation of Offenders (NICRO), SANCA and Khulisa who continue to pledge their support for the successful rehabilitation and reintegration of offenders.
From the outset I have made it clear that the process of remission would be a difficult one. We had to give careful consideration to the full implications of granting offenders a remission of sentence. We had to weigh its advantages against other factors such as the reaction of society, the rights of victims, re-offending by those released and a possible perception that as a government, we are soft on crime.
We always faced risks in this process but a bold decision had to be taken that would best serve the interests of everyone. Much consultation and planning went into this process and we were always clear in our minds that this was but another phase in our objective of working towards corrections being accepted as a societal responsibility. The scourge of crime in this country can never be turned around only through policing. Crime can never be fought by only imposing a tough sentencing regime. Crime can never be reduced by ostracising those guilty of crime or through locking them up and throwing away the key.
The success to fighting crime is to be found in correcting offending behaviour in our homes, our schools, our communities and in all places before offenders are incarcerated by the courts. We should not be waiting for people to be imprisoned before attempting to bring about behavioural changes. At the same time, those incarcerated should also be subjected to correction and rehabilitation with the ultimate aim of reintegrating them into society where they can lead productive, honest lives.
As we draw to the end of the 10-week period that I announced on 01 June, I want to acknowledge the tremendous role played by so many of you. Correctional Services would never have been able to successfully implement the remission of sentence without the support and involvement of society represented by a number of organisations and individuals who stepped forward and raised their hands in offering their assistance. As believers, you remained true to your faith and reached out to those who have strayed.
In this, we are reminded of Matthew 25, Verse 44 which states: “Whenever you failed to help any of my people, no matter how unimportant they seemed, you failed to do it for me.” It brings into sharp focus our responsibility as people who love our God and our people and who believe in the ethic of reaching out to all irrespective of their positions in society.
You have made it possible that the implementation of the remission of sentence caused the least possible disruption in the lives of people. You provided the support systems for those being released. You gave them a second chance. And today, I can say that the vast majority have taken that second chance and are with their families and communities as they go about rebuilding their lives. Since 13 June when we commenced with the remission of sentence, 30 704 offenders have been released from Correctional Centres throughout the country. A further 33 972 probationers and parolees have been discharged from community corrections. This might seem to be large totals but it was done in such a manner that everyone released from a Correctional Centre underwent compulsory assessments and pre-release programmes. We continually monitor the rate of re-offending and today I can report that 131 of those released have been admitted to Correctional Centres as awaiting trial detainees for alleged offences committed. They have spurned the second chance given to them and while they account for less than one percentage point of those who gained from the remission of sentences, as Correctional Services, we are following up each individual case in order to establish possible causal factors for their alleged re-offending. We believe that such interviews can contribute towards further improving the system of corrections.
I do understand that there would be those who would want to condemn the entire process because of the few who re-offended. But that would also be condemning the thousands of others who have taken the opportunity given to them to turn their lives around. My office is inundated every day with letters and calls, expressing appreciation for this second chance. These are people who genuinely regret the harm that they have done to society and are grateful that they are being trusted to change for the better.
In John 8, Verse 6 we read, “Whichever one of you has committed no sin, may throw the first stone at her.” It teaches us not to be judgmental and encourages us to see the good in everyone.
These people are now in our homes, our churches, our streets and in our communities. They have lives to rebuild. They are in need of support systems. They will be seeking employment. In some cases they have returned to a hostile environment. Some of them will rise above their circumstances. Others could be in despair. And still others could seek answers in committing crime again.
We must continue reaching out to them. I am not suggesting that we must now go overboard in our efforts to ensure that they do not do crime again. Much of the responsibility for that rests with them and they must remain accountable for their own behaviour. But as families and communities, we must become involved in their lives and through our actions, demonstrate that we truly care.
We have shown that releasing offenders from incarceration does not have to be catastrophic. As society, we condemn the crimes they have committed but embrace them as human beings. As Correctional Services, we will continue with our constitutional and moral responsibility of correcting offending behaviour and protecting society against those who show no remorse or regret for their actions. As the Church, we will continue living according the tenets of our faith and as mothers and fathers; we will continue being involved in the lives of our children.
If we want to build a society that truly cares for all, we have no choice but to take actions that will lead to such a society. I want to thank everyone who so selflessly and tirelessly made their contributions to this process. You have remained true to your faith and you have chosen the route of being a contributor instead of a critic. You have chosen to make a difference instead of being passive. You have told offenders that while you will not tolerate their wrongs, you are prepared to assist them in changing their lives.
On behalf of all those offenders who are now working to change their lives, I wish to say a big thank you. I would also like to mention the role played by my members throughout the country. They have made this remission of sentence work. From our national task team to the custodial official in the smallest correctional centre, you have made us proud. You have demonstrated that through team work, even the toughest of assignments become a pleasure to implement. The long hours spent putting in place systems and ensuring that every detail is covered in the implementation plan, could not have been easy. But never did I hear one word of dissent. From all quarters, we have received positive feedback. None of this would have been possible without your commitment and dedication.
I know that Correctional Officials are often lambasted in public for wrongs. You are publicly accused of all types of misdemeanours. But the good work that you do is never acknowledged. I stand before you and this congregation today and wish to unequivocally state that you have proven that you are true to the vision and mission of this department. With humility and pride, you delivered on your mandate as outlined in the Batho Pele principles and I wish to salute you for that.
Our work however, is not completed. We still have a long path to walk. With the continued support of the SACC and others, we can build a caring correctional system that is owned by everyone. Let the experience gained from this remission of sentence serve as a spark in the realisation of our goal of making corrections a community responsibility.
I thank you and God bless.
Issued by: Department of Correctional Services
4 August 2005
Source: Department of Correctional Services
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