SUPPORTING REHABILITATION AND SECOND CHANCES FOR YOUNG OFFENDERS IN SECURE CARE CENTRES

By Madali Chibambu 

• The Gauteng Department of Social Development is dedicated to helping young offenders in South Africa rebuild their lives through Secure Care Centres, such as the Soshanguve Secure Centre in Tshwane, which offer structured, rehabilitative environments for children referred by child justice courts.
• Under the Child Justice Act (CJA) of 2010, which prioritises the rights and rehabilitation of young offenders, children in conflict with the law are treated differently from adults, with recent amendments in 2022 raising the minimum age of criminal capacity from 10 to 12 years, further emphasising this commitment.
• Success stories from the Soshanguve Secure Centre, like those of *Kagiso and *Thabang (names changed to protect their identities) illustrates the transformative power of these programmes, enabling young people to pursue their education and plan for brighter futures while recognising the consequences of their actions.

The Gauteng Department of Social Development is committed to providing young offenders in South Africa with the opportunity to rebuild their lives through Secure Care Centres. These institutions, including the Soshanguve Secure Centre in Tshwane, offer a structured and supportive environment for children referred by child justice courts, whether they are awaiting trial or serving sentences.

The focus of these centres is not merely punitive but rehabilitative, offering young offenders a second chance through programmes designed to support their growth and reintegration into society. Under the Child Justice Act (CJA), implemented in 2010, children in conflict with the law are treated differently from adults, with an emphasis on their care and rehabilitation. The CJA prioritises the rights, development, and future potential of young offenders, recognising that childhood mistakes should not define the rest of their lives. In 2022, the Act was strengthened by raising the minimum age of criminal capacity from 10 to 12 years, underscoring the Department’s commitment to the rights and welfare of children.

One success story from the Soshanguve Secure Centre features two young boys, *Kagiso and *Thabang (names changed to protect their identities), who are being given the chance to complete their education while serving their sentences. Kagiso, a Grade 10 learner, is serving time for a crime he did not initially understand as an offence. Reflecting on his past, he shared, “I thought I was just with my girlfriend. It wasn’t until I was arrested and separated from my family that I began to understand the gravity of what I had done. I miss my family every day, but I also know that I am being given a second chance to change.”

Thabang, now a Grade 12 student, is using this time to plan for a brighter future, aspiring to become a pilot and motivational speaker. “I’ve learned that you can ruin your life in minutes. Now, I want to share my story with others to help them avoid the mistakes I’ve made,” he said.

These stories highlight the crucial role Secure Care Centres play in transforming the lives of young offenders, helping them recognise the consequences of their actions while equipping them with the skills and guidance needed to move forward positively.

Statistics from the Judicial Inspectorate for Correctional Services (JICS) reveal that the majority of children in conflict with the law are aged between 16 and 17, with housebreaking, theft, and assault being the most common offences. Between 2019 and 2020, there were 2,058 sentenced juveniles and 3,724 juveniles remanded in detention, further underscoring the need for ongoing intervention and rehabilitation efforts.

The Department of Social Development, through its Secure Care Centres, remains committed to providing a nurturing and supportive environment for young offenders. By prioritising rehabilitation over punishment, these institutions aim to equip affected youth with the tools they need to reintegrate into society and lead productive lives. The most effective way to prevent youth violence is by educating young people on healthy relationships, conflict resolution, and responsible decision-making, while also promoting positive parenting practices that steer children away from harmful influences such as gangs, drugs, and alcohol.