Khasho June 2009 - National Prosecuting Authority

News for NPA staff, friends and stakeholders June 2009Professionalism, Integrity, Service Excellence, Accountability and Credibility

2 Letter from the Acting National DirectorMoving onwithout the DSOBy the time you read this issue ofKhasho, our colleagues from the nowdefunct Directorate of Special Operations(DSO) will have already transferred to theSAPS to join the new unit, dubbed theHawks.Those (investigators) who declined tomove over have been absorbed into theSpecial Investigating Unit (SIU), wherewe expect they will continue to contributetheir investigative excellence to theSIU’s successful fight against fraud andcorruption in the public service.I am encouraged by the efforts ledby Dr De Wee to make sure that theadministrative staff are incorporated intoCorporate Services. I am sure that by thetime you read about this matter in the nextissue of Khasho, you will be updated onthe full progress.The dissolution of the DSO did notcome without its challenges, especiallyin ensuring a seamless process for theaffected members. I believe that welearned many lessons on how (or not) tomanage change in an organisation throughour experience with this process. Someof the lessons include that we open upand engage our internal communicationchannels much more, and improve thevisibility of top management in all criticalelements of change management during atime of uncertainty for employees.The DSO regional offices held variousfarewell functions, and I had theopportunity to attend all of them topersonally thank everyone for theirdedication and commitment to the workof the DSO. I wish every single staffmember of the dissolved DSO well forthe future – those who are continuingthe fight against organised crime in theHawks, and those who took the changeas an opportunity to explore other careeravenues in different manners and forms.I had an exciting opportunity to engagewith young high school learners fromPretoria and Soweto at our national youthday event that was hosted at the VGMBuilding on 26 June. As you are aware,June is celebrated every year in our countryas Youth Month. The focus of this eventmust be on uplifting our youth and raisingawareness on issues that affect their livesand livelihoods. I am encouraged to hearfrom the Communication Unit that theNPA will host a Youth Day event annually.This will serve as the NPA’s contributionto ensuring that our youth will be up to thechallenge of taking our country forwardin a responsible manner.It is very important to promote andmaintain the education of the youth onthe dangers and evils of getting involvedin crime. This year’s theme, Say No ToCrime, was aligned with this message, andthe entire day’s programme was packedwith appropriate edutainment, includingan educational drama by youth offendersfrom Leeuwkop Prison, courtesy of theDepartment of Correctional Services.The Minister and Deputy Minister ofJustice and Constitutional Development,Mr Jeff Radebe and Mr Andries Nel, alsoattended the event.Advocate Mokotedi MpsheActing National Director of PublicProsecutionsContents3Second annual Sexual Offences Indaba13Aids Candlelight Memorial 20095NPA shines at Royal Show14Love to Live campaign a success6Child Protection Week14A day in the life of Lusanda Ntwanambi8Take A Girl Child to Work campaign15Five life terms for serial rapist10Mmabatho hosts girl children at work15Triathlon advocate goes international11Child Protection Week in Bloemfontein16New appointmentsProfessionalism, Integrity, Service Excellence, Accountability and Credibility

NPA NewsSecond annualSexual OffencesIndabaEditorial3The Acting National Director of Public Prosecutions,Advocate Mokotedi Mpshe, officially opened thesecond annual Sexual Offences Indaba in KemptonPark on 18 May 2009. This event forms part of themandate of the Sexual Offences and CommunityAffairs (SOCA) Unit in terms of its role as a memberof the Interdepartmental Management Team (IDMT).The new Minister of Women, Youth, Children and People withDisability, Ms Noluthando Mayende-Sibiya, was also present atthe indaba and spoke out strongly against women and child abusein our society. Also present were the former Minister of Health,Dr Manto Tshabalala-Msimang, who delivered an address at thestakeholder dinner, where she promised to be always available tohelp fight any kind of abuse against women and children.Our June issue is dedicated to all the work the NPAdoes in respect of addressing the rights and theprotection, especially of our women and children. High onthe agenda was the Sexual Offences Indaba that broughttogether stakeholders from government, non-governmentaland private sectors to discuss and share information on thework done to counteract gender-based violence and relatedsexual offences.Recognition of Child Protection Week has becomeentrenched in the work of the NPA. This year, a numberof regions had activities to support working for the rightsof children. The rights and protection of children shouldalways occupy centre stage in our nation’s consciousness.The days when Child Protection Week is dominatedby incidents of child abuse, horrors of child rape andmolestation, and generally about child-directed violenceneed to become history, and be replaced by celebrationsof children’s rights and joy on children’s faces.The IDMT consists of members of the departments of Justice andConstitutional Development, Health, Social Development, Safetyand Security, Correctional Services, Education, as well as theNational Treasury. The management team developed the ThuthuzelaCare Centre (TCC) model as one of its initiatives to address rape caremanagement. To date, there are 17 TCCs around the country. Thisnumber is expected to increase and be sustained dramatically acrossall nine provinces over the next three years through the support of theUnited States Agency for International Development (USAID) underthe Women’s Justice and Empowerment Initiative (WJEI).continued on p4The NPA, in all its communication activities, includeschild-friendly reading material and products that makechildren aware of their rights and the support they can getin times of need for justice. A South Africa where parentsare assured of raising their children in a safe environment,in peace and harmony, is one for which all citizens mustfight. In this issue, we share some of the activities inwhich our prosecutors participated to contribute to achild-friendly environment in our country.To all the dedicated staff who visit schools andcommunities, who host children’s days, who work atThuthuzela care centres and in the courts to help supportthe victims of crime, young and old, we salute you!Bulelwa MakekeExecutive Manager: CommunicationsTHE NPA HOTLINE − 0800 212 580Building a culture of reporting unethical and unlawful practices, promoting and enabling whistle-blowing.Professionalism, Integrity, Service Excellence, Accountability and Credibility

4NPA Newscontinued from p3The TCC approach is victim-centred – taking victims throughthe criminal justice system to transform them to survivors, andultimately to be more empowered witnesses in the criminaljustice process.The SOCA Unit, together with its stakeholders, strives to reducethe victimisation of women and children by improving the careand treatment of rape victims at all points in the criminal justicesystem, thereby reducing secondary victimisation, and ensuringthe speedy, effective investigation and prosecution of rape cases,reducing cycle times and increasing conviction rates.A number of subprojects that form part of the TCC projecthave been undertaken by the IDMT. The management team hascommissioned research into the TCC in relation to processesfollowed at the sites from a legal, investigative, psychosocialand health perspective. Monitoring and evaluation tools havebeen developed for all role-players in the model.In an attempt to formalise roles and responsibilities, thespecific sites have developed protocols, which contain thestandard operating procedures for each site. In order to addressaccountability, operational plans were developed that includethe activities for the year for the areas of governance, deliveryand resourcing.To address uniformity, the SOCA Unit has furthermoreundertaken a mapping process, informed by the protocols.Duringthe indaba, participants were divided into provinces, and eachhad to come up with strategies or plans on how to deal with themaladies against women and children. After these sessions, therespective provinces were given time to present their findingsand way forward. It was agreed that provinces would submittheir reports before the next indaba in 2010.government departments and civil society organisations.Dr Silas Ramaite, Deputy National Director of PublicProsecutions, elaborated on the importance of events like thisand made a plea to National Treasury to assist financially. “Thedepartments must not send delegates only, they must also sendmoney,” he concluded.The participants watched a sad ‘speak out’ play by the Pillarto Post drama group. The play was about a father who abuseshis schoolgoing child. The play encouraged people to speak outagainst any kind of abuse against women and children. It alsoillustrated what steps to follow in a similar situation.The indaba further highlighted the challenges facing the TCCs.These included understanding the line functions of inter- andintradepartmental structures, the lack of synergy with regardto departmental priority areas for service delivery, the lack ofcoordination of services and service offerings, and the lack ofuniformity of services.In conclusion, Advocate Thoko Majokweni, Head of the SOCAUnit, thanked all the participants, partners and sponsors for makinga difference to all women and children who have been abused.These included USAID, RTI International, the SOCA Unit, thedepartments of Health, Safety and Security, Social Development,Education, Correctional Services and National Treasury, as wellas other international partners, such as the Danish InternationalDevelopment Agency (DANIDA), the European Union, theUnited Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), and South AfricanNGOs and service providers.The IDMT has also undertaken a number of other projects,including the development of the 365-day National ActionPlan to address violence against women and children. Thisis a comprehensive collaborative plan developed by variousProfessionalism, Integrity, Service Excellence, Accountability and Credibility

NPA News5NPA shines at Royal ShowThe NPA’s participation in the annual Royal Show has it roots in very humble beginnings. Thesewere the exact sentiments of Advocate Ross Stuart. “From a few roll-up banners and posters to(now) stage lighting and floral arrangements, we’ve come a long way. Mind you, at the time, thoseroll-up banners were the best thing for us!”This is the sixth year in succession that this annual event,attended by the NPA, has been held in Pietermaritzburg. Thisyear the NPA took two accolades: a medallion for the stunningdisplay and the Royal Agricultural Society Trophy for SpecialEndeavour.The Department of Correctional Services had a huge displayshowcasing their in-prison initiatives, such as furniture-making, adairy and piggery, as well as vegetable gardens. All the producefrom theses projects are used as sustenance in the prisons.The KwaZulu-Natal Wildlife Crime Working Group aimed toeducate people about conservation, as well as issues aroundpoaching and pollution. Finally, the SAPS’s exhibit consisted ofvarious components such as the Special Intervention Unit (SIU),Forensics section and the task team showing off their weapons andexplaining to people the extent of their work.The hall was a well-rounded exhibit that engaged members of thepublic for long periods of time. The general consensus from all theexhibitors was that the expo was an overwhelming success and thatthe Royal Show 2010 would be even better.The NPA’s humble beginnings in 2004.The special endeavour was an idea instigated by the NPA to haveall the departments and non-government organisations (NGOs)involved in crime prevention in one hall at the Your Country,Your Family, and Your Life Expo. This was to show the publicthat all the organisations work collectively to bring justice tosociety. The departments of Correctional Services, and Justiceand Constitutional Development, the South African Police Service(SAPS), the KwaZulu-Natal Wildlife Crime Working Group,Business Fighting Crime, Safe City and the NPA participated.Comments such as “spectacular”, “inventive”, and “impressive”were among the numerous compliments received from membersof the public. The public was interested to know what processeswere involved in the criminal justice system, as well as how eachof the departments fit into the bigger picture.Above: At the NPA Exhibition stand. (From left) Addelaid Watt,Ross Stuart, Kabelo Ikgopoleng, Kholiswa Mdhluli, NatashaRamkisson, Leann Ragoonath and Bulelwa Makeke.On entering the hall, Safe City told people about the camerasaround the Pietermaritzburg CBD, which are monitored 24/7.People were fascinated by the precision of these cameras and thededication of the people that worked there.Next, the friendly and welcoming staff of the NPA were on hand toanswer queries. Public interest varied from personal to recent issuesin the media. People were impressed with the professionalism ofthe organisation. A cooldrink vendor who worked at the showpraised the NPA, citing her own experience with the Maintenancesection at the Pietermaritzburg Magistrate’s Court. She was veryhappy that the court had persuaded the father of her child to paythe maintenance due to her.Above: Natasha Ramkisson and Advocate Ross Stuart showingoff the award.Professionalism, Integrity, Service Excellence, Accountability and Credibility

6 Regional NewsWestern Cape prosecutors supportChild Protection WeekChild Protection Week promotes the belief that it is everyone’s responsibility to maketheir community child-friendly and to promote the value of children, focusingattention on the issues of child abuse and neglect. It promotes the cultureof respect for children’s rights, thus ensuring that all children grow up in anenvironment that is safe from abuse, neglect and exploitation.The theme of this year’s celebrations, held from25 to 31 May, was Caring Communities ProtectChildren, which highlighted the value of partnershipsbetween government and all sectors of society, particularlycivil society, in creating a safe environment for children.Cape Town prosecutors have been hard at work with activitiesto promote the safety of children, visiting schools and placesof safety, and giving talks on drug and alcohol abuse, drugtrafficking and the rights of children. In almost all the schools thatwere visited, the venues were packed to capacity with learners,educators and members of the community.On 26 May, the prosecutors visited the WD Hendricks PrimarySchool together with members from the South African PoliceService (SAPS), non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and theDepartment of Social Development. This school is located in anextremely low socio-economic neighbourhood, with a low adultliteracy rate and high unemployment. The abuse of drugs is rifein this area and most of the speakers educated the learners on thenegative effects of these substances and advised learners of variousNGOs in their area that can help those who are addicted to drugs.On 28 May, 35 Grade 8 learners from the Jan Van RiebeeckPrimary School were taken to the Cape Town Regional Court aspart of Cell C’s Take a Girl Child to Work campaign. The littleones were taken on a tour around the court, where they got theopportunity for the first time in their lives to see prison cells,visit the juvenile court and listen to talks on crime prevention,child abuse and drug abuse. On 29 May, the prosecutors visiteda school called Learn to Live, which is a special school for streetkids funded by the Salvation Army.This school is helping hundreds of street children to reintegrateinto society. Their aid programmes are aimed at improving thelives of street children by educating and training them to becomeself-sufficient. Two hundred disadvantaged youths are currentlybeing trained as part of the Learn to Live project. According tothe institute, many of these underprivileged youths have ended upon the streets of Cape Town because they have left dysfunctionalhomes or their parents have passed away, increasingly due to theHIV/AIDS epidemic in South Africa. NGOs, the SAPS and theDepartment of Social Development teamed up with membersof the NPA to educate the learners on various issues related todrug trafficking and the role of the NPA in the criminal justicesystem.The prosecutors, accompanied by officials from the Departmentof Social Development and the Legal Aid Board, ended thecampaign on 5 June 2009 by visiting the Lindelani Place ofSafety in Stellenbosch. They explained court processes and therole of the departments in the criminal justice system. It seemedthat the youths really enjoyed the talk, advice and the drama inthe form of a moot court.Ms Fiona Cloete, Senior Public Prosecutor of the Cape TownMagistrate’s Court, advised learners to read, know their rightsand to report unlawful acts to the police.Learners from the Gardens Commercial High School visitingthe Cape Town High Court during the Take a Girl Child toWork Day.A day in court: Advocate Bonnie Currie-Gamwo at the CapeTown Regional Court preparing the learners for a day in court.Professionalism, Integrity, Service Excellence, Accountability and Credibility

Regional News 7Mamelodi celebratesChild Protection WeekThe Thuthuzela Care Centre (TCC) in Mamelodi, together with other stakeholders, celebrated ChildProtection Week in May. Their campaign started on Monday, 25 May 2009, with a visit to primaryschools in Mamelodi East.Entertainment was provided by way ofmusic and drama groups from Love Life.This event, and the entire week, was asuccess and showed the commitment of thecolleagues of the TCC in Mamelodi andthe cooperation between stakeholders. Thestakeholders who worked with the TCCincluded the SAPS, the Department ofHealth, Child Welfare, SOS, Love Life, theChild Protection Initiative, Iso Labantwanaand Sanco.On 26 May various stakeholders visited primary schoolsin Mamelodi West. Presentations were delivered by theSouth African Police Service (SAPS), which covered topicssuch as drug abuse and gender-based violence. The SAPS alsogave the children safety tips. Staff of the Thuthuzela CareCentre informed the learners of the purpose and functions ofthis centre. Child Welfare addressed issues of child neglectand child abuse. The group also visitied crèches and handedout promotional material to the children. On 27 May the groupwent to visit places of safety and shelters in Mamelodi, wherethey donated blankets.The main event was held at the Moretele Resort on 28 May.The day started with an orientation at the police stations inMamelodi. During the orientation, children were taken ona tour of the stations and informed of the duties of policeofficials. The children entered the victim-friendly facility,where they were informed of the services rendered at theMamelodi West police station. They were transported to theMoretele Resort, where they had a fun day. They enjoyedthemselves on the jumping castles and were entertained byFiona, the cartoon character in Shrek. The purpose of theday was to celebrate the protection of children to make themfeel special. The programme also included presentations bydifferent stakeholders such as the NPA, SAPS, Child Welfareand the Tshwane Child Protection Initiative.Mr George Maphutuma, the corporate manager of the NPA’s SexualOffences and Community Affairs (SOCA) Unit, gave a keynoteaddress on the Thuthuzela Care Centre and its role in caring forvictims of sexual offences and turning them into survivors.Important guests that attended the occasionincluded Advocate Mncwabe, the seniorpublic prosecutor in Mamelodi, andAdvocate Motaung, the senior prosecutorfor sexual offences in the Pretoria regionalcourts.NPA case manager and junior state advocate, Lida van Schalkwyk,and victim assistance officer, Mathilda Maroga, entertain theMamelodi schoolchildren.Observing grace.Professionalism, Integrity, Service Excellence, Accountability and Credibility

8NPA EventsGirl children spend the day atNPA Head OfficeTake A Girl Child to Work day is aimed at presenting girl children with an opportunity to practicallyexperience career opportunities in the job market. Organisations and companies register with Cell Cto participate in the project and schools are paired randomly with organisations that then host 20or more girls for the day.The NPA hosted 20 girls from the Pretoria Secondary Schoolat its head office this year, while a further 20 girls werehosted at various regional offices.The girls at the NPA Head Office were received by Security andRisk and were registered and handed employee/access cards withtheir names, as well as stationery packs.The programme commenced with a photo shoot, after which arepresentative from Human Resources Development welcomedthe girls, the teacher and all distinguished guests. Dr Khotso DeWee, Acting CEO of the NPA, provided the girls with informationabout the NPA and he highlighted the challenges that the NPAsometimes has to face.Advocate Mokotedi Mpshe, Acting National Director of PublicProsecutions (NDPP) gave a keynote address, where he spoke tothe girls about issues that they face as the youth of South Africa.He highlighted the opportunities and possibilities they haveand stressed that dreams can be achieved through hard work,dedication, good behaviour and responsibility. Advocate Mpshealso spoke to the girls about traps they may encounter in theform of temptations faced by young girls, and the risk of being afemale in this world. He also emphasised that even though rape,abuse, victimisation, and discrimination can happen anywhere,it seldom happens to girls who are with their parents or teachersor in groups. He encouraged girls to live by the motto Gana kawena. Loosely translated, this means “say no about yourself”.He continued to say that they must learn to say no to boys’temptations, to say no to material temptation, to say no to alcoholand drug abuse, to say no to staying out late, and to say no to peerpressure. He concluded by telling the girls that it is up to them tobecome successful women. He said that he wanted to meet themone day somewhere and then they must say to him: “AdvocateMpshe, ke ganne ka nna, and I am succesful now.”The girls were then divided into five groups and were allocatedto mentors from the Directorate of Special Operations (DSO),the Integrity Management Unit (IMU), the National ProsecutionsService (NPS), Human Resources: Response Handling, and theOffice of the NDPP.The NPS group learnt what procedures are involved in prosecutinga case, and what happens after judgment has been passed. Theyalso learnt how other business units in the NPA support the NPSto ensure successful prosecution, which is without favour orprejudice. The learners were then given a newly submitted casewhere they had to decide whether they would prosecute or not.The girls were informed of the qualifications needed to becomea prosecutor, and the possible careers that can be followed withthat qualification besides prosecution.The DSO group was taught about the task of the DSO in the NPA,as well as the different levels and kinds of investigations. Theywere also given an explanation for the merger they are readingand hearing about in the media. The girls were then given ascenario and asked to compile a plan of how they would conducttheir investigation and what strategy they would use. The girlswere informed and advised about the qualifications and trainingthey would need to pursue a career in investigations.The IMU group was taught about the IMU’s task in the NPA, andwhy it is important for every organisation to have a unit to manageintegrity. They were then informed about the different sections inthe unit, their roles and how they impact on the organisation. Thegirls were then given the opportunity to evaluate a case and makea ruling and recommendation to the CEO based on the internalinvestigation report given to them.The Human Resources: Response Handling group was taughtabout the importance of response handling to ensure that the NPAattracts skilled, qualified and responsible individuals in order toensure that it achieves its goals and objectives as mandated by thegovernment. They were then taken through the response handlingprocess map, until the appointment of a successful candidate. Thisalso educated the girls about how to complete an application, theimportance of understanding a vacancy advertisement and applyingaccording to the requirements of the advertisement. The girls werethen each given the opportunity to capture an application on thesystem. The career opportunities in the human resources field andthe qualifications required for these were highlighted.The Office of the NDPP group was educated about the dutiesand responsibilities of the NDPP, what needs to happen beforehe makes a decision and what support structures he dependson. Examples were given using different scenarios. The rulesgoverning his office, as well as who he reports to and who reportsto him, were explained. The girls were then given a scenariowhere they would act as NDPP and take a decision on a case.The girls were then told of the qualifications and experience onewould need to be appointed in this position.Advocate Mpshe joined them for lunch, together with Mr TlaliTlali, NPA spokeperson, the mentors and Human ResourcesProfessionalism, Integrity, Service Excellence, Accountability and Credibility

NPA Events9Advocate Mokotedi Mpshe, Dr Khotso De Wee and NPA officials hosting the VGM Take a Girl Child to Work Day.Development team coordinating the project. The girls were veryexcited and had a long, informal conversation with AdvocateMpshe and Mr Tlali, and asked for their autographs.The girls then proceeded to the auditorium where they viewed adocumentary about human trafficking. The documentary showedtrue stories told by victims of human trafficking and, in caseswhere the victims have still not been found, the stories were toldby their next of kin. After the documentary, the learners weregiven the opportunity to ask questions. They were informed aboutsyndicates that exist so that they can always be on the lookoutfor them. The were also informed about the SOCA Unit and theThuthuzela care centres around the country.The girls were given a tour of the VGM Building, where theywere shown goods gained as a result of criminal activities. Theprocedure of the Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU) was explained tothem. They were also shown the shooting range, the holding cellson site and the entire building. The girls then filled out evaluationforms, which gave generally positive feedback. They werepresented with participation certificates signed by Dr De Wee, aswell as NPA bags and stationery.The Cell C Take a Girl Child to Work day for 2009 was mostsuccessful The Human Resources Development section wouldlike to thank and acknowledge all stakeholders of the project.Grade 12 learners benefitfrom careers exhibitionFrom 19 to 21 May 2009, learners from about 46schools from the Fort Beaufort district cametogether for a three-day period where they weregiven motivational talks and career information.This was an initiative of the Department of theEducation in the area.The organiser, Nandi Nqadala, expressed hergratitude to all those who participated. She saidthat these opportunities were rare in the area andthat learners gained a lot from the event.An estimated 2 350 Grade 12 learners took partin this event. The NPA provided them with all therelevant material and were able to give them adviceon careers in law.Grade 12 learners from schools in Fort Beaufort ttended the careers exhibition,where they listened to speakers before proceeding to the exhibition.Professionalism, Integrity, Service Excellence, Accountability and Credibility

12NPA EventsKids get a taste of justiceThe criminal justice system plays an important role in society. Kids needto be taught early in life about the consequences of finding themselves onthe wrong side of the law.Children from the Thuthuka Montessouri School in Randburg enjoying the mock trial.On Friday, 15 May 2009, the Specialised CommercialCrimes Unit (SCCU) in Gauteng treated kids betweenthe ages of five and seven to a mock trial in their specialisedcourt, which turned out to be a fun-filled event in Court B.The children, who were from the Thuthuka MontessouriSchool in Randburg, enjoyed themselves and observed theproceedings carefully. These kids were a marvel to watch andobservers were amazed at the level of intellect they possessed.It is also quite important to recognise this potential and toharness it for the greater good.(Mr Steve Malebathi) a prosecutor (Advocate André Smit),and a court orderly (Inspector Sibisibi). The script was writtenby Advocate Leana Fick.For these kids, this session will be a memorable one, muchmore pleasant than those for kids that have to attend courtas victims, as part of the deep end of the justice system. Ifchildren also get an opportunity to learn about their rights,community structures can grow stronger every day. It is verysad to see children in juvenile centres or even jail for crimesthey committed.Advocate Suren Naidoo, Deputy Director of the SCCU,together with his team of dedicated staff, played a vital rolein this session. They wrote a script and played roles in court.Characters in the play were a convener (Advocate Naidoo),a magistrate (Advocate Deneshree Naicker), two witnesses(advocates Aphiwe Kutshwa and Ronel Dookun), the defenceKhasho personnel distributed T-shirts to the kids withemergency numbers printed on them. After the event, theyasked themselves: “What is the contribution we made inchanging children’s attitude towards the rule of law?” Childrenneed to learn from an early age to respect the law and humanrights, for they will be the leaders of tomorrow.”Children show off their NPA justice and speak out shirts.Children listen attentively to the mock trial.Professionalism, Integrity, Service Excellence, Accountability and Credibility

NPA Events13Aids Candlelight Memorial 2009The International Candlelight Memorial is the longest and largest grassroots mobilisationcampaign for HIV and AIDS awareness in the world. It was first commemorated in 1983, and hassince been observed internationally on the third Sunday of May every year.For the past 25 years, the CandlelightMemorial has brought peopletogether to honour the lives of those lostto AIDS-related illnesses, give support topeople living with HIV, and raise socialconsciousness about HIV and AIDS.The2009 theme for the International CandlelightMemorial campaign was Together, we arethe solution. This theme seeks to affirmthe importance of government and civilsociety working together to ensure the bestpossible delivery of prevention, treatment,care and support programmes in thecountry.On 20 May 2009, the NPA joined the restof the world in the commemoration ofthe HIV and AIDS candlelight memorial.The event was held in the MmabathoTusk Hotel in Mafikeng in the North WestProvince.“It is important foremployees to serveas ambassadors fordisseminating the messageof hope, education and achange of behaviour withregard to HIV and AIDS.”The programme was officially opened byAdvocate Mampo, and the Director ofPublic Prosecutions: Mmabatho region,Advocate Johan Smit SC, welcomeddelegates. He told delegates that it wasimportant for employees to make acommitment and serve as ambassadorsfor disseminating the message of hope,education and a change in behaviour withregard to HIV and AIDS.The Acting Chief Executive Officer ofthe NPA, Dr Khotso De Wee, gave a briefhistory on the emergence of HIV and AIDS.He also shared some startling statistics onHIV and AIDS in sub-Saharan Africa.Ms Mercy Makhalemele, an AIDSactivist, gave a motivational speech andmessage of hope to the audience. Mercyfound out that she was HIV-positiveduring her pregnancy. She was the firstHIV-positive woman to openly speak atthe South African Parliament in 1995. In2000, Mercy established the Tsa-BotsogoRe-awakening Centre, a healing centre forHIV-affected individuals.Mr Cornelius Lebeloe, Director of theHIV and AIDS Unit in the North West,emphasised the importance of workingtogether to fight the pandemic. He alsogave statistical information on newinfections, and concluded by encouragingpeople to be open and commit to the fightagainst HIV and AIDS in South Africa.The keynote address was delivered bythe Acting National Director of PublicProsecutions, Advocate Mokotedi Mpshe,SC. He outlined the key milestones of theNPA to continue to institutionalise andupscale services to fight HIV and AIDS.These include training and awarenessworkshops to change people’s attitudesand behaviour, voluntary counselling andtesting services to encourage employees toproactively protect their health, workshopson HIV/AIDS and the law, psychologicalcounselling services to support infectedand affected employees, and monitoringand evaluation to ensure that the NPA iscompliant with the National StrategicPlan on HIV and AIDS and SexuallyTransmitted Diseases.Advocate Mpshe pledged executivesupport to all the NPA initiatives aimed atreducing the impact of HIV and AIDS andenhancing the wellness of its employees.At the conclusion of the event,Ms Rachel Nengovhela, Chief Prosecutorof the Molopo Region, thanked AdvocateMpshe and the executive management ofthe NPA for the role that they play, andAdvocate Johan Smit for his leadership.NPA management supporting the2009 Aids Candelight MemorialFront row: Ms Mary Seletisha, Chief Prosecutor: ODI Cluster, Ms Mercy Makhalemele,AIDS activist and Chief Prosecutor: Molopo Cluster, Ms Rachel Nengovhela. Back row:Dr Khotso De Wee, Acting CEO, Mr Moses Rantao, Corporate Manager, AdvocateMokotedi Mpshe SC, Acting National Director of Public Prosecutions, Ms Anna Mogoeng,Senior State Advocate, and Advocate Johan Smit SC, Director of Public Prosecutions:Mmabatho Region.Professionalism, Integrity, Service Excellence, Accountability and Credibility

14 Staff NewsLove to Live campaign a successThe Love to Live edufair was held at the Protea sportsgroundsin Pietermaritzburg in late May. The event was aimedpredominantly at learners, but the information was applicable toadults alike. The theme was ‘love to live’, thus trying to createpositivity among the youth and the community at large. Speakersenlightened learners about crime prevention, child protection androad safety, as well as living a positive life and making goodchoices.The coordinators of the event were Senior Public Prosecutor,Zubeida Khan, and Court Preparation Officer, LouannShuttleworth (from the Pietermaritzburg Magistrate’s Court), whoworked hard to get other departments and NGOs to participate inthe endeavour.The end result was lauded as a phenomenal success with anestimated 5 000 learners attending. Learners were treatedto displays by the SAPS bomb disposal unit, the RoadTraffic Inspectorate and the fire department. NPA RegionalCommunications Manager, Natasha Ramkisson, addressedlearners on the justice system and how the various departmentsworked together in crime prevention and crime solving. Groupsfrom the attending schools also put on performances such asdramas, poems, dances and singing (rapping) to display theirinterpretation of what it means to ‘love to live’.An attendee and participant in the initiative, Mr MuhammadKhan, commented on the success of the edufair, “This eventwas superbly organised and marketed; and the NPA savouredthe opportunity, for which it is always on the lookout: to engageand interact with the youth in a context that is far removed fromthe intimidating environment of the courts. The opportunity alsogave us an insight into the needs of the youth. We look forwardto the Love to Live campaign next year.”The message of UMgungundlovu District Mayor, Mr YusufBhamjee, to the learners was to believe in the concept of ‘loveto live’ by first respecting themselves, then their parents, friendsand members of society. “You should know that there will alwaysbe challenges and you need to unpack such challenges and charta way forward. By so doing, you will give meaning to the ‘loveto live’ concept,” said Bhamjee.A day in the life of Lusanda NtwanambiMs Lusanda NtwanambiWhen did you join the NPA?I joined the NPA in 2002 on contractas an administrative assistant for theSexual Offences and CommunityAffairs (SOCA) unit. My appointmentwas made permanent in 2007, still as anadministrative assistant.What position do you hold and whatdo your daily duties entail?I am executive secretary to the Headof the SOCA Unit, Advocate ThokoMajokweni My daily duties entailmanaging the diary, attending tocorrespondence, managing personalaffairs, assisting in public awarenesscampaigns such as the Thuthuzelaleadership, planning, organising andcoordinating events, meetings andworkshops, and summarising mymanager’s daily e-mails and makingher aware of those that need her urgentattention.What are the challenges you face withyour position?Dealing with difficult callers andhandling the office pressure – one mustbe able to handle all the ad hoc mattersthat are part of our lives in the SOCAUnit.If you had a choice, would you stillwork for the NPA?Definitely, more especially for theSOCA Unit, because of the growth andexposure it gives to its staff membersIs your Manager demanding?I have learnt to understand that she is avery busy person and her work is verydemanding. As her PA, I am supposed tobe there for her as her support system.The good relationship I have with heralso makes it easy for me to get alongwell with her.What did you learn during the timeyou spent at the NPA?I have learnt to understand differentpersonalities and cultures.If you were allowed to be the NDPPfor the day, what would you do?I will give all the best performers thedeserved merit awards. To be honest,I haven’t noticed any gaps that mightneed to be filled; according to what Isee, he is doing an excellent job.Should you be allowed to havebreakfast with Advocate Mpshe, whatwould you say to him?I will ask him to revisit the secretary/PAposts and re-evaluate them.Any message to the NPA secretaries/admin staff?Work hard and be the best person youcan ever be. Perseverance pays. Look atme: I started as an admin assistant oncontract, and today I am an executivesecretary.Professionalism, Integrity, Service Excellence, Accountability and Credibility

Staff News15Five life terms for serial rapistin Port Elizabeth High CourtOn 13 May 2009, Zukile Sindelo Thafeni was convicted on 18 of the 21 counts he faced, includingrape, robbery, attempted murder and assault. The judge described Thafeni as a “cruel, sadisticperson” who had no respect for human life. The judge further said that Thafeni must be removedpermanently from society because there is no chance of him being rehabilitated. She also said:“Thafeni was a sexual predator with sadistic taste and had no respect for life.” She handed downfive life terms, coupled with one of 117 years.The NPA expressed its satisfaction for the sentencing, as it believes that this willsend a very strong message to those that break the law. A successful convictionsuch as this also restores public confidence in the criminal justice system. Attendingthe sentencing were friends and families of the victims, as well as members ofvarious non-governmental organisations that are fighting against women abuse in thecommunity. Berenice Jacobs-Malgas, Director of the Rape Crisis Centre, welcomedthe judge’s decision, saying that it showed that justice had been served. A motherof one of the victims who seemed very distraught said: “I am very pleased with thesentence handed down and I hope he does not get released on parole.” Judge Revelascommended the investigating officer, together with the prosecutor who handled thiscase, for their hard work.Left: Jason Thyse from the Directorate of Public Prosecutions in Port Elizabeth sighedwith relief when the judge sentenced Thafeni, and went on to say that he will sleep betternow, knowing that justice has been served.For a period of two weeks, he trains for an average of sevento eight hours a week using an intensive method of training,followed by a one-week recovery programme, which is lessintense. The training programme includes swimming sessionsof 30 to 45 minutes during the week. On Saturdays, he cyclesfor at least two hours. The key things that keep him going areendurance and utmost discipline.On 21 February 2009, he took part in the Free State TriathlonCompetition held in Bloemfontein. He emerged as the overallwinner. This victory enabled him to represent the province inthe South African Triathlon Championship held in Germistonon 21 March 2009, where he finished in eighth position in hisage group category.FOR KHASHOTriathlon advocate goes internationalAdvocate Victor de Bruyn is a senior state advocate in theSpecialised Commercial Crime Unit of the NPA’s Directorate ofPublic Prosecutions in Bloemfontein. He is a very hardworkingprosecutor and a very dedicated sportsman. He is passionate abouttriathlon, which comprises swimming, cycling and running.Advocat theBloemknownand aaboutHe qualified forand ruthe national team,and will representSouth Africa in theTRAINInternational Triathlon Vic trains Advocate for an average Victor de of Bruyn 7-8 hours a week using the intensChampionships at recovery the programme which is less intense. The training progrAustralian Gold Coast from 11 to 13 September 2009. He madea promise to do wellthirtyintothefortycompetitionfive minutesandduringnot justthe week.to add to thenumbers. On Saturdays Vic wakes up very early to do the cycling for atgoing are endurance and utmost discipline, as a result he doesAfter the tour, he will take a break of three to four weeks, andthen start with his training in preparation for the next season,which will start around CHALLENGES: November. There “I will are never many stop challenges taking that part one has to oin my favourite sport, triathlon,” he says.times he must work longer hours in preparing for his court caseason is another challenge as it requires a rescheduling of trProfessionalism, Integrity, Service Excellence, Accountability and Credibilitythe morning one has to wake up at 6am for the swimming sescycling around 9am. The other challenge is that according to h

16 Staff NewsNew appointmentsChief Public Prosecutor• Advanced District Court Prosecutor: LMoolman, Y Mamphadeni (Nelspruit), LAMahumapelo• District Court Prosecutor: M Khumalo, M Ndlovu(Pietermaritzburg), N Mazamisa (Witbank),TP Nyamate, B Mqoboli, CE Merrington(George), JP Maluleke (Polokwane), P Mulaudzi(Vaal Triangle), MP Moabelo (Pretoria),N Lugaju (East Rand)• Senior Administrative Assistant: L Smith (PortShepstone), S Fihla (Port Elizabeth)• Administrative Assistant, General: F Fortuin(Mitchell’s Plain), PM Njemla (Wynburg),S Tshabalala (Bellville)• Court Preparation Officer: ME Mosotho(Durban)• Court Control Prosecutor: MM Ponye(Mitchell’s Plain)• Head Control Prosecutor: H April, A Ngiba(Bellville)Directorate of Public Prosecutions• Switchboard Operator: EL Boucher(Port Elizabeth)• Finance Manager: S Raman (Cape Town)Asset Forfeiture Unit• Senior State Prosecutor: P Jagnath(Johannesburg)• Junior State Advocate: JS Cubungu(Johannesburg)Finance• Assistant Manager: M Mqokozo• Administrative Assistant: PJ Ramaphoko(Operations)Communications• Manager: Marketing and Advertising:K MdhluliHuman Resources Management andDevelopment• Senior Manager: MT Molefe• Executive Manager: TM ModiseIntegrity Management Unit• Deputy Manager: P TwalaContract appointmentsChief Public Prosecutor• Regional Court Prosecutor: N Sepeng (Brits)Communications• Chief Administrative Assistant, General:NE MaphatianeSOCA• Court Preparation Officer: KV MadunaContract extensionsChief Public Prosecutor• Advanced District Court Prosecutor:NH Sass (Bellville)• Regional Court Prosecutor: CS Botha (Ladysmith)PromotionsFinance• Chief Administrative Assistant: MJ Mphafudi(Finance Operations)• Finance Manager, Budget: MS Mofokeng(Finance and Procurement)Chief Public Prosecutor• District Court Control Prosecutor: M Fanaphi(Pinetown), RK Tshite (Bloemfontein),MD Molobya (Klersksdorp)• Regional Court Prosecutor: F Steenkamp(Nelspruit), JN Maseko (Middelburg)• Advanced District Court Prosecutor: EX Zakwe,C Rothman, N Minnaar (Middelburg),AP Manganye (Thohoyandou), CS Jansen vanVuuren (Port Shepstone), J Chellan (Durban),RN Tshamano (Klerksdorp)• Relief Prosecutor: TJ Malesa (Witbank)• Head Control Prosecutor: I Singh (Pinetown)Directorate of Public Prosecutions• Junior State Advocate: K Essack, SA Mazibuko(Durban), S Scheepers, ZG Mshololo, KGermishuis, NK Ramkhelawan, CA Pillay(Pretoria)• Advanced Deputy Manager, General: P Sali(Kimberley)• Court Preparation Officer: ME Mosotho (Durban)Integrity Management Unit• Advanced Manager: J Chetty (internalinvestigator)RelocationsChief Public Prosecutor• Head Control Prosecutor: DM Phiri(Middelburg)• Regional Court Prosecutor: NO Nhantsi (Cape Town).Law Market Dayat Rhodes UniversityOn 5 May 2009, the Faculty ofLaw at Rhodes University’sLaw Society invited the NPA,the Legal Aid Board and manyother private law firms to alaw market day. From the veryonset students showed a lot ofinterest.Some of students who visited the NPA’sstand for information with Mr Njobefrom Fort Beaufort Magistrate’s Court.Some of them received lanyards foranswering questions about the NPAcorrectly.Advocate Nico Henning from theGrahamstown Cluster enjoyedgiving students information andanswering their questions at the stall.Students from the first year level, tomore senior students, were very excitedto interact with the various exhibitors.The NPA gave out information onthe Aspirant Prosecutor InternshipProgramme as well as other brochures,including the understanding the criminaljustice system and values brochures andgeneral NPA information.Send your news (seriousNPA CommunicationsNatasha Ramkissonand funny) and lettersPublication management,Sandy Godlwanato khasho@npa.gov.zaediting and layout:Nico Simasikuor fax your stories andJanine Smit EditorialFrank LesenyegoinformationServices: www.jses.co.za.Mona Moeraneto 012 843 2120.Sibongile MogaleYourActionCOUNTSPublishing Editor:Janet de Jager,Main contributors:Janet de JagerTsepo NdwalazaKopano RamashalaKabelo IkgopolengBaile MaunyeProfessionalism, Integrity, Service Excellence, Accountability and Credibility