CITY OF JO’BURG SILENCES THE VIOLENCE

Date: 29 October 2008

Venue: Barnato Park High School, cnr Beatrice and Barnato Strs, Berea

Time: 14:00 – 17:00

Guest speakers confirmed:Chief of Police for the JMPD, Chris Ngcobo; the programme manager for Jo’burg’s City Safety Programme, Nazira Cachalia; as well as Barbara Holtmann, leader of crime prevention research for the Centre for Scientific and Industrial Research.



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The City of Jo’burg will be graduating a group of 278 learners after their participation in an innovative behaviour change programme designed to strengthen youth development in the City and curb violent behavior levied at themselves and others.



According to Dr Marelize Schoeman, senior Criminology professor at UNISA, who carried out pre and post implementation research on the programme, violent behavior is identified by aggressive verbal, emotional and physical acts carried out in conflict situations, including abusing substances, bullying and name calling.



Sixteen of these 278 learners will graduate at Banato Park High school tomorrow, 29 October, at a ceremony with a keynote address by MMC for Public Safety, Councillor Thomas Phakathi.



Other guest speakers will include Chief of Police for the Johannesburg Metro Police Department, Chris Ngcobo; the programme manager for Jo’burg’s City Safety Programme, Nazira Cachalia; as well as Barbara Holtmann, leader of crime prevention research for the Centre for Scientific and Industrial Research.



In August this year, the City commissioned national NGO Khulisa Crime Prevention Initiative to analyze the developmental needs of identified learners in seven schools within three of its regions and evaluate a suitable programme to meet these needs. Based on this research, the programme called “Silence the Violence”, was selected for implementation. The schools were selected by social workers from the Department of Community Development, as well as the South African Police Service, who were asked to recommend the schools which had a history of learners involved in some form of violent behaviour, towards themselves or towards others.



Silence the Violence takes participants on a journey of self-discovery in which they become aware of the extent and origins of their own violence, and introduces effective, non-violent alternatives. The programme illustrates how violence (physical, emotional and verbal) is ingrained in culture and belief systems and how it emerges in daily interactions. Participants learn practical ways to minimise violent behaviour. It aims to empower participants to restore themselves and develop the skills to restore other relationships. As part of this programme, participants confront their violent self and discover their original or true self through a series of facilitated therapeutic techniques.



Dr Schoeman’s research found that the programme heightened participants’ awareness of what constitutes violence and infringements of human rights, and their increased their sense of hope at being able to direct their life in a positive manner.



For the last three years, The City’s Department of Community Development, together with the City’s Safety Programme has focused strongly on youth development through its youth strategy as well as its city safety strategy and commissioned specialist service providers to research and address the needs of Youth-at-Risk. Youth that were previously identified by the Department of Community Development and the South African Police Service.



Banato Park High school, together with New Nation High school, also in Region F, were selected because some of the learners enrolled there are sheltered nearby and considered vulnerable, especially to substance abuse. The programme was run during their scheduled Life Orientation lessons.



MMC for Public Safety, Councillor Thomas Phakathi says, “This has been a significant project because it’s clear that the learners who have benefitted from this programme have made some amazing shifts in their attitudes and behaviour. These learners now have the tools to make better informed decisions about the kind of life they want they want to pursue. This project forms part of the city’s broader focus on youth because we realize the youth are a vulnerable group and need assistance and support.”



Yashina Pillay, Gauteng Area manager for Khulisa, says “Evidence from throughout South Africa reveals that children and youth are increasingly both perpetrating and becoming victims to crime and violence. This has a profound effect on the development of young people as well-adapted, healthy and socialized individuals who can positively contribute towards society. Recognising this trend within its own boundaries, City of Jo’burg had the foresight to address the cause and not just the symptoms of violent behaviour.”



Dr Schoeman has recommended that support systems should be established in the schools and appeals made to the public for donation of services.