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13 July 2007

Programme Director
Deputy Minister for Social Development Dr Jacobs
MEC Dlungwana
Respective Mayors and Councillors
Distinguished guests
Ladies and gentlemen

I wish to begin by first acknowledging the presence amongst us of the Deputy Minister of Social Development, Dr Jacobs. We are truly honoured that you could be with us today. We gather this morning to witness the official opening of the Bloem Secure Care Centre for juveniles. I am in deed pleased to be part of this important occasion that marks a significant chapter in our interventions as government to effectively and efficiently address juvenile delinquency and other factor associated with it.

Our country is currently faced with numerous challenges that need to be overcome in order to ensure a better life for all South Africans. Crime prevention, the fight against HIV/AIDS, job creation and economic development are some of the priority issues on the government's agenda. What is of grave concern is that our youth are the once most affected by these challenges Today's occasion should be a clear indication of our commitment to seek innovative approaches and comprehensive strategies to advance the cause of youth development and cement our belief that today's youth is tomorrow's nation. Bring down the wall that separate those from morality chase away the dark shadows, which darkens their steps to their dreams.

During this second year of our second decade of democracy, we look back with the sense of tribulation and triumph that indeed our democracy is deepening daily; the lives of our people are improving and the culture of human rights being embraced by all and sundry. We should be aware the building a South Africa that is safe and secure for its entire people remains a key challenge in our present dispensation. We should also acknowledge that despite our achievements, crime remains one of government's greatest concerns. For us to effectively deal with crime, we need a holistic, rational and humane approach that will help us understand both the causes and manifestations of crime in our communities.

We have to be cognisant of the fact that meaningful crime prevention requires mass participation in order to be effective. Our commitment in ensuring people's participation has yielded benefits in the past and we will continue to call upon mass participation in the fight against crime.

Our government has always encouraged and supported programmes that are aimed at diverting young people away from the criminal justice system into programmes that make them accountable for their actions. Various interventions by government and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) have been instrumental in the rehabilitation of many offenders, especially the youth, thus enabling them to face up to their convictions and therefore change their lives for the better. There is a need for government to work together with various non-governmental organisations and civil society in general in the reintegration of ex-offenders into society and thus making a significant contribution to breaking the cycle of crime.

The establishment of the Bloem Secure Care Centre is a direct response to the need to provide an integrated approach aimed at the prevention, treatment and diversion of juveniles who are involved and/or more likely to become involved in crime. The objective is to ensure that these children aged between 14 and 17 years are contained in these facilities while awaiting trial or sentencing. We are aware of the dangers that young offenders are faced with in police holding cells and in prisons. Through this intervention we hope that juvenile offenders in these centres can be exposed to programmes that will enable them access to informal education as well as counselling to help face the consequences of their actions and provide hope for them once they are reintegrated into society.

I would like to emphasise the continued determination of the government to provide comprehensive rehabilitation services to young offenders. Government offers various programmes in the field of social work services, education, vocational training, psychological services, moral and spiritual enlightenment, personal development and pre-release preparation. I would like to solicit the co-operation of non-governmental organisations to partner government for us to collectively enable ex-offenders to take responsibility for their lives and reconcile with their families and the community by equipping them with the tools of self-empowerment and the belief in their own self-worth.

Issued by: Office of the Premier, Free State Provincial Government
13 July 2007