Restorative Justice Programme Helps Thousands Of Victims And Offenders Find Closure

Restorative justice programmes help thousands of victims and offenders with a path to closure, accountability, and healing.

Facilitated by the Department of Correctional Services (DCS), these initiatives include victim-offender dialogues and mediation, allowing those affected by crime to engage directly with perpetrators in a structured, voluntary setting.

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DCS Minister Pieter Groenewald recently confirmed that 11,156 victims participated in the programme during the last quarter of the 2024/25 financial year.

Furthermore, the department had initially set a target of 5,900 victims, meaning the programme surpassed expectations by nearly double. These numbers were disclosed in response to a parliamentary question from the IFP’s Busaphi Machi.

While Machi suggested a R5 billion allocation, Groenewald clarified that only R600,000 was budgeted for the initiative. The programme prioritises violent crimes, particularly cases involving loss of life, serious harm, or violations of human dignity.

These Funding covers, tracing victims for participation, providing professional support and raising awareness about victims’ rights and restorative justice

Beyond reconciliation, the DCS is also working to rehabilitate offenders through job placements. Whereas, 509 parolees and probationers were placed in work programmes last quarter, gaining skills in, welding, plumbing, computer skills, and entrepreneurship.

Meanwhile, participants receive a monthly stipend during the 12-month programme, which aims to help them reintegrate into society.

“Counselling is provided to boost morale, ensuring parolees are prepared for employment or entrepreneurship,” Groenewald stated.

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Restorative justice not only supports victims but also provides offenders with an opportunity to acknowledge their actions and work towards rehabilitation.

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