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South Africa

Introduction and Recent News

In South Africa, the already high crime rate continues to escalate, making the work of Prison Fellowship all the more necessary. PF South Africa has implemented the Sycamore Tree Project® (STP)-- PFI's unique programme that brings together offenders with crime victims for faciliated discussions-- in 41 correctional centres across the country. Nearly 200 facilitators have been trained in this programme, which has proven remarkably effective in helping prisoners recognize and take responsibility for their own criminal behaviour. In May, PFI President Ron Nikkel visited PF South Africa representatives and participated in a historic conference with church leaders, including the Presiding Methodist Bishop, the Suffragen Anglican Bishop, and the head of the International Federation of Christian Churches. At the conclusion of the conference, the church leaders signed a statement endorsing PF and Alpha.

Other News

PF South Africa Engaging Churches through STP

From 12 to 15 July, Douw Grobler, PF South Africa executive director, conducted Sycamore Tree Project®training for 28 second year students at the Methodist seminary in Pietermaritzburg. The four day event included sessions on the impact of crime on society, restorative justice, the role of the church, each of the Sycamore Tree Project®sessions, and a prison visit.

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Partnership for Addressing Prison Overcrowding in South Africa

According to the International Centre for Prison Studies, the South African prison population was at 139.9% of capacity in 2009. Overcrowded prisons pose several difficulties for South Africa – and any country facing a similar problem – they are hard to control and they increase the negative impact on prisoners’ ability to make pro-social decisions upon release from prison. In response to the growing overcrowding problem, PF South Africa joined with several other concerned organisations and individuals to form the National Initiative against Overcrowding in Prisons (Initiative).

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Church Leaders Sign Statement of Support for PF

After participating in a historic conference attended by PFI President Ron Nikkel, church leaders signed a statement endorsing the work of PF South Africa.

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Alternative to School Expulsion and Juvenile Incarceration

PF South Africa announces the launching of the pilot phase of a juvenile support and development programme, The Fig Tree Project. The project targets teenagers who have either been in conflict, or are at risk of being in conflict, with the law. In partnership with the local churches and community, PF South Africa aims to provide struggling youth an opportunity to change their path and reintegrate into school or the workforce.

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Diverting Juvenile Offenders Away from Courts in South Africa

In response to prison overcrowding and the negative impact of incarceration on young offenders, PF South Africa launched a juvenile diversion project known as The Fig Tree Project. Targeting first-time, non-violent offenders and students in danger of expulsion from secondary school (grades 8-12), the Fig Tree Project offers a community alternative to incarceration.

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Mailing Address

P.O. Box 128
Magalieskruin, Pretoria, 0150 South Africa

Affiliate Details

  • Board Chairperson: Walter Mashiya

Contact Information

Document Actions

WOP 2012