Khasho August September 2010 - National Prosecuting Authority

18 NPA NewsTurning Victims into SurvivorsNatasha RamkissonThe NPA recently joined hands with the Jessica FoordFoundation (JFF) to host a Women’s Day project in the PortShepstone Cluster in KwaZulu Natal.The Foundation was established by rape survivor, JessicaFoord to assist others that are in a similar situation. The ideaof the project, termed the ‘handbag project,’ started off as ane-mail that Foord sent out to a friend. This e-mail wasforwarded numerous times until it reached the Regional Courtprosecutor at Scottburgh, ChristelleRossouw.Rossouw then approached herChief Prosecutor, Mr Sansom, withthe idea. “We saw that the projecthad immense value for thecommunity and decided to goahead,” said Rossouw.According to Mr Sansom this jointventure is just the beginning. “Wewill partner with the JFF to roll outthis project in other clusters suchas Pinetown, Empangeni andLadysmith.”In essence, the handbag projectinvolves a person donating ahandbag. These handbags shouldbe filled with toiletries such as sanitary towels, underwear,deodorant, soap, face cloth, etc. The bags are collected andgiven to the JFF.The JFF then distributes these bags to authentic places ofsafety and crisis centres to be given out to victims of abuseand/or rape. On this specific project, prosecutors from the PortJessica Foord, Elaine Khuzwayo, Christelle Rossouw, NosipoKente, Kogi Naick, Smangela Mdungana and SharmillaChinnasamyShepstone Cluster, consisting of Ixopo, Kokstad and PortShepstone offices joined forces together and managed tocollect 348 handbags from the community and otherstakeholders, which were handed over to JFF. Prosecutors alsocontributed funds and purchased bags and toiletries.A speaker at the event, Regional Head from the Department ofJustice, Mrs Bridgette Shabalala, commended the JFF for theproject. She said, “This project fits in perfectly with this year’stheme for Women’s month,which is working together forequal opportunities andprogress for all women, and aswomen we need to supporteach other”.The keynote speaker of theday, Ms Jessica Foord wasoverwhelmed by the supportshe received and the number ofbags donated. Foord explainedthat the handbag and itscontents were meant to makethe recipient feel better. “Itgives hope to a person who hasjust been traumatized, becauseit lets them know that there issomeone out there who cares”.The 23 year old spoke with such hope and determination thatshe exuded the fact that she was indeed a survivor and not avictim. She said, “I’m often asked if I have ever consideredemigrating from South Africa given my experience. Myresponse is that I’m not going anywhere. I love this countryand I am going to stay and continue fighting”.Send your news (serious and funny)and letters to Khasho@npa.gov.za orfax your stories and information to012 843 2120Publishing Editor:Nomilo MpondoNPA CommunicationsEditing Management:Tebogo SeateBulelwa MakekeLayout:Lucious DzhivhuwoProfessionalism, Integrity, Service Excellence, Accountability and Credibility