Restorative Justice Week Showcasing A Path to Healing and Reconciliation

By Madali Chibambu and Lorato Modisenyane

• Restorative Justice Week, commemorated by the Gauteng Department of Social Development under the theme “The Promise of Restorative Justice in a Polarising World,” highlighted the transformative power of repairing relationships damaged by crime.
• Held at the Munsieville Sports Complex, the event gathered over 100 community members, key stakeholders, and survivors to discuss how restorative justice promotes healing, accountability, and dialogue between victims and offenders.
• Through powerful testimonies like that of rape survivor Phola Mahlaba and insights from experts, the event emphasized the importance of second chances, forgiveness, and community acceptance in fostering reconciliation and preventing reoffending.

The Gauteng Department of Social Development commemorated Restorative Justice Week on Wednesday under the theme “The Promise of Restorative Justice in a Polarising World.” The event, held at the Munsieville Sports Complex in the Western Corridor, brought together over 100 community members to promote awareness and encourage participation in restorative justice processes.

The program aimed to empower children, parents, and the broader community while fostering dialogue between victims and offenders. Stakeholders such as the National Prosecuting Authority, the Parole Board, the Department of Justice, and Khulisa Social Solutions contributed to the day’s discussions.

Healing Relationships Through Restorative Justice

Kgomotso Phofa, a Social Worker and Program Coordinator for Restorative Justice, explained that the approach focuses on repairing relationships damaged by crime. “Restorative justice views crime not as a depersonalized breaking of the law but as wrongdoing against another person,” said Phofa. “It aims to heal broken relationships between the offender, the victim, and the community. By providing opportunities for dialogue, negotiation, and problem-solving, restorative justice helps restore emotional and material losses for victims while holding offenders accountable,” she added.

Messages of Hope and Resilience

Phola Mahlaba, a rape survivor, moved the audience with her powerful testimony. After surviving 50 incidents of rape, Mahlaba has rebuilt her life, finding strength through faith. Now married with three children and a full-time job, she also volunteers as a motivational speaker at Krugersdorp Prison. “If the chance for victim-offender dialogue arises, take it. It’s an opportunity to heal and find closure,” Mahlaba urged. “Forgiveness is a process, and you can engage in dialogue even if you’re not yet ready to forgive.”

A Call for Second Chances

Community Prosecutor Nonhlanhla Sithole, based at the Kagiso Magistrate Court, encouraged former offenders to embrace the community’s acceptance and strive to lead law-abiding lives. She cautioned against stigmatizing ex-offenders, noting that labels can drive individuals to reoffend simply to return to prison, where they feel a sense of belonging. The event underscored the transformative potential of restorative justice in fostering healing, accountability, and reconciliation, leaving participants inspired to take part in building more cohesive communities.