Investments in Social Values

“Apartheid contributed directly to the destruction of family values that were built over many centuries by the indigenous people of our country. Apartheid contributed directly to the collapse of the moral fibre in many of our communities.” (Charles Nqakula, as reported in Business Day, 14 Feb 2007))

What is government doing about this if so many – including me – acknowledge this to be the major root causes of crime in SA? Crime and security experts acknowledge that adding more cops, more guns and more jails to the overstretched criminal justice system will simply turn the country into a "fortress" that forces criminals to use greater violence to get the goods; a vicious cycle (Cape Argus, 10/2/07). Believing that reducing and eradicating poverty will restore the moral fibre and thereby reduce crime is wishful thinking. Providing employment and raising family incomes will not necessarily address issues of juvenile delinquency and other roots of criminality such as racism, class struggle, respect for others and their property, valuation of life, and many more that resulted from the havoc created by apartheid.

Yet, how much money and resources are government pouring into correcting the mistakes of apartheid in terms of family values? The existing Moral Regeneration Programme is not enough. We need thousands more social workers, probation officers and community development workers. Their salaries need to be increased significantly to attract more people to the profession, as well as stopping existing workers leaving for greener pastures. Currently, they hardly earn enough to pay back their study loans, never mind home loans. They need offices that do not appear worse than shacks, proper vehicles to visit victims/survivors in rural / outlying areas, sufficient back-office support so files don’t get lost or misplaced, more supervisors and trainers to ensure the quality of their work, and much, much more. One small step in the right direction would be to implement the recommendations of the TRC, but much more is needed.

Just like investing in education is a long term strategy for economic growth and development, investing in reconstructing social values in families and communities damaged by apartheid and violence should be seen as a medium to long term crime prevention strategy. Besides, the long term benefits of such a strategy will be much more than simply reductions in crime.