IJS HOSTS WORKSHOP TO REVIEW DSD IJS PROGRAMME

By Precious Mupenzi

• From 29 July to 2 August 2024, the Integrated Justice System (IJS) is conducting a crucial five-day workshop in Cape Town to review and enhance the Department of Social Development (DSD) IJS Programme.
• The workshop aims to assess the programme’s progress over the past five years, identify areas for improvement, and develop future strategies to strengthen South Africa’s criminal justice process.
• Key focus areas include reducing crime, improving the response to criminal activities, and integrating systems to support child justice, victim empowerment, and the prevention of gender-based violence.

Cape Town, Western Cape – From 29 July 2024 to 2 August 2024, the Integrated Justice System (IJS) is holding a pivotal five-day workshop in Cape Town to review the Department of Social Development (DSD) IJS Programme. This workshop aims to evaluate the programme’s progress over the past five years and devise strategies for future improvements.

The IJS Programme is a government initiative designed to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of South Africa’s Criminal Justice System. The workshop addresses the primary objective of transforming the country’s Criminal Justice System into a modern, integrated system that ensures all South Africans are and feel safe.

Unathi Ngumla, IJS Programme Manager, emphasises the significance of this workshop.

“This workshop is crucial for us to assess our progress, identify areas for improvement, and plan future strategies. By doing so, we aim to strengthen our efforts in reducing crime and ensuring justice for all,” he states.

The DSD IJS Programme plays a critical role in coordinating information from social sector departments on abuse, neglect, and various types of crime. This information is then made available to the Justice Cluster Prevention and Security Cluster (JCPS), which includes SAPS, Courts, and Correctional Services, for further processing. The aim is to eliminate secondary victimisation and improve the overall response to criminal activities.

The DSD is responsible for implementing the Child Justice Act, Children’s Act, and Victim Empowerment Services. The programme’s efforts are particularly focused on eradicating child abuse and neglect, gender-based violence, human trafficking, sexual crimes, and elder abuse.

One of the significant achievements of the DSD IJS Programme is the establishment of electronic case management and workflow applications that support the department’s core business processes. This integration has enhanced the accessibility of information and facilitated real-time responses to incidents involving children in conflict with the law.

“The integration with the police service has been a game-changer, allowing probation officers to receive immediate notifications when a child is apprehended,” Ngumla highlights.

The Gender-Based Violence Command Centre (GBVCC) continues to operate with the support of the IJS, providing critical assistance to victims and valuable data to enhance service delivery. Additionally, the Person Identification and Verification Application (PIVA) employed by SASSA has significantly reduced fraudulent applications and identity theft.

The IJS Programme is instrumental in several key areas:

1. IT Business Continuity: Ensuring uninterrupted critical business operations through a robust Disaster Recovery facility.
2. IJS Convergence Data Exchange Platform: Facilitating seamless information exchange with other government departments.
3. Gender-Based Violence Command Centre: Integrating with provincial systems and SAPS 10111 Contact Centre to reduce response times and enhance intervention effectiveness.
4. Substance Abuse: Modernising data collection and integrating information from various sources to better monitor and address substance abuse issues.
5. Trust Master Data Migration: Transitioning data from the liquidated BOSASA system to the Child and Youth Care Centre (CYCA) system.
6. Application Monitoring Tool (ACM): Continuous monitoring of systems to prevent downtime and ensure seamless service delivery.
7. Alternative Care Management: Developing and automating the Social Development Integrated Case Management System for more efficient handling of abuse and neglect cases.

This workshop assists the DSD IJS Programme in reviewing and refining its systems to meet stakeholder needs. It aims to enhance the services rendered by the DSD IJS Programme and align them with the strategic plans of the DSD. An implementation plan and agreed roadmap will be established, strengthening the relationship between DSD Programmes and the DSD IJS Programme.

“This workshop is a step towards a more effective and integrated justice system. It will enable us to better serve our citizens and address the challenges faced by our communities,” Ngumla concludes.

The five-day workshop promises to be a landmark occasion in the continuous effort to modernise and improve South Africa’s Criminal Justice System, ensuring a safer and more just society for all.