South Africans commemorate Youth Month in June

This year marks the 49th anniversary of the 16 June 1976 student uprising in Soweto, when young people protested against the Bantu Education Act, which enforced Afrikaans as a medium of instruction in schools, and apartheid laws that oppressed black South Africans.

During their demonstration, heavily armed police fired on the students resulting in the tragic loss of many innocent lives. The 1976 Soweto uprising was a turning point in our nation’s struggle for liberation.

In South Africa the month of June has, since the dawn of democracy, been dedicated to honoring the contribution of young people in the liberation struggle. This year’s National Youth Day and Youth Month is commemorated under the theme: “Skills for the changing world, empowering youth for meaningful economic participation.”

This theme, supported by the tagline “Gear Up for Greatness” seeks to promote education and skills development for the youth, linking them with economic opportunities.

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TRC Education Program marks 10th year anniversary

By Solly Kganyago

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) Education Assistance program marks the 10th year anniversary since its inception in 2015. In June 2003, Parliament approved the granting of reparations to TRC identified victims in respect of final reparation in the form of a once-off grant of R30 000,00; medical benefits and other forms of social assistance; symbols and monuments; and rehabilitation of communities for purposes of contributing to healing the wounds of the past and restoring human dignity.

 The President mandated the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development (DOJ&CD) to monitor the implementation of the TRC-Parliament approved recommendations and report to Cabinet.

The Education Assistance program is part of the implementation of the TRC recommendations and contributes to social cohesion, nation-building, and reconciliation for the TRC identified victims of apartheid. The implementation of these recommendations promotes the healing of the wounds of the past and restores the human dignity of those victims and communities whose rights were violated by the atrocities of the past.

The milestone coincides with the tertiary graduation of one such a beneficiary funded by the program from grade 8. A 22-year-old Phetolo Mogale obtained a National Diploma in Fashion Production from the University of Johannesburg in May 2025. Phetolo, born and bred in Silverton, Pretoria is a daughter of Simon Mogale, one of the TRC identified victims of apartheid. Mogale was detained by apartheid police and ultimately sentenced to 5 years in prison at Robben Island.

“This financial support motivated me to work hard to achieve my goals and boosted my confidence to concentrate on my studies without the added stress of hustling for funding. I am proud to be a graduate of the TRC Education Assistance program”. Phetolo Mogale said.  Since its inception the program has funded 1 922 beneficiaries.

There are currently 229 beneficiaries eligible to receive funding towards their higher education and training studies during the 2025 academic year. The funding covers tuition fees, school uniform, transport, text books, boarding fees, teaching and learning support material for basic and higher education.

The new regulations of the program have increased the qualifying threshold of TRC identified victims, their relatives and dependants for the current academic year 2025/2026.  The annual gross income of the household of which the victim or a relative or dependant of a victim is a member, must not exceed the R 758 173,00 gross income per year for Higher Education and Training and R470 124,00 for Basic Education. The primary requirements to qualify for the funding are person/s who have been found by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission to be victims of apartheid, a child of a victim of apartheid, person married to a victim under any law, persons to whom a victim has or had a legal or customary duty to support, such as a grandchild of a victim.

“Congratulations to Ms. Mogale, we wish her well in her next chapter. As a recipient of the TRC reparations for education and amongst the first in this cohort to graduate, she serves as an ambassador of hope demonstrating that healing is possible. In addition to gaining an education, she is living proof that any society can turn around its future.” Said Advocate Shireen Said, Deputy Director General, Constitutional Development.

For more information on the TRC Education Assistance Program visit www.justice.gov.za. Alternatively contact the TRC Unit help desk at 012 315 1234/ 012 357 8834. APPLICATION PERIOD: 01 June 2025 – 30 September 2025.

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Life through the camera lens

By Dudu Diraditsile

Photography is a way to capture moments of significance to us and it's those moments that we look back on with fond memories. Capturing the moments at the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development (DOJ&CD) is Lwandile Aubrey Ngaxa (31) who is currently serving as an Intern Photographer.

Ngaxa who hails from Mhlotsheni village, Mount Frere in the Eastern Cape is a qualified photographer from Tshwane University of Technology. He landed his first job, on contract, as a part time trainer at Market Photo under Market Square in Johannesburg.

“When I applied for this post in the Department as an intern, my contract had ended and I was ready to leave for Eastern Cape. I do not quite remember where I saw this post but I made sure I personally hand delivered my application”, shares the man who captures and tell stories through images.

Mr Ngaxa remembers the day he got the job vividly. He says he was busy cleaning the yard and he dropped everything from excitement as he knew that he would be doing something he loves wholeheartedly. 

“Getting this post boosted my confidence. I have gained a lot of experience and exposure, looking back I have learned a lot and still learning”, he said.

“My job requires someone with a creative mind”, shares Mr Ngaxa. Almost every day he gets assigned to cover and capture images of departmental events, principals including Minister, Deputy Minister, staff engagements and others.

Growing up, he actually planned to study videography. He applied for it, unfortunately he was not accepted due to the programme being full. He was then advised to enrol for photography which within it there are videography modules, so all was not lost and he saw it as God’s plan.

While studying, he was inspired by Mr Zimisile “Zi” Gqamane and Mr Katlholo Maifadi. Mr Gqamane was his senior and very good in photography and editing.

His lecturer once asked everyone to write short personal wishes and put them in an envelope. He wrote he wants to take pictures of government officials, including the president and that is how he was introduced to Mr Maifadi - a senior photographer at Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO).

Creative arts came easy from a young age as he was involved in youth development programs that gave him the platform to learn to play guitar, paint, act and music.

He wishes the youth could engage more on offline activities that bring change in their communities.

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Community awareness crucial in the fight against domestic violence

By Junior Kotu

Domestic Violence in South Africa is prevalent and has been rising over the past few years. People in rural areas are the hardest hit because of lack of knowledge and how to go about reporting it and finding help.

“The Department of Justice and Constitutional Development (DOJ&CD) needs to intensify Community outreach on Domestic Violence working with other government Department’s like Social Development, Health, Education, etc. to spread awareness, especially in disadvantaged areas, “said Vuyo Mdunjeni, Domestic Violence Clerk at the Komani formerly Queenstown Magistrate’s Court.

Since 2013, Mdunjeni has been at the forefront in helping the Komani community fight all forms of domestic violence through his work at the local Court by opening and capturing Domestic Violence files, processing of domestic violence matters and harassment applications, promptly implementing Court instructions as well as management of domestic violence and harassment files.

The inspiration to play his part in the fight against domestic violence started during his upbringing in a community full of gangsterism, alcohol abuse as well as conflicts amongst families. “Knowing that I have successfully helped a domestic violence victim and that they will be safe, is a richly rewarding experience.” He says.

Having grown up in a poor family and in a community where domestic violence and family disputes were widespread, Vuyo was convinced from as early as Grade 7 to study and work in ‘social work’ field to be part of the solution in restoring his community’s moral fiber and bringing justice to the scarred and traumatized victims.

Vuyo ultimately obtained a National Diploma in Public Management from Ikhala TVET college in Komani and he is currently studying towards an Advanced Diploma, which he is hopeful it will open more doors for him and his good work will reach and positively impact more people.

“Hearing and assisting traumatized victims of abuse can have a negative impact on one’s mental health, if not correctly managed. Together with my colleagues we decided to celebrate each other’s birthdays, Father’s Day, Mother’s Day and Heritage Day and host gala dinners where we would have speeches and prayers and these have helped a lot to an extent where I am no longer as stressed,” he continued.

Vuyo’s words of advice for Youth Month is ‘embrace education because the beautiful thing about learning is that nobody can take it away from you.’

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Serving the community takes the center stage

By Masia Masekatlala

Child Maintenance continues to be the priority for the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development (DOJ&CD). At the helm of ensuring that Child Maintenance applicants at Botshabelo Magistrates Court receive the assistance they need is Ms. Thandiwe Ncango. She is an Administrative Clerk in the Maintenance Section.

As an Administrative Clerk in the Maintenance Section she is responsible for, issuing and assisting in the completion of the application forms for Child Maintenance, referring applications to Maintenance Officers for final screening.

Ncango has been serving in this position for four years and her days are structured by function. Mondays are dedicated to processing new applications, while Tuesdays to Thursdays are for court sessions. Fridays are reserved for follow-ups on failure to pay maintenance. “I also communicate with the Employers where the order was not implemented and enquire about the failure to do so,” she explains.

Thandie’s work is more than a job, but her passion. “As I was raised by a single parent, I always had an eagerness to assist those who are vulnerable and in need of assistance”  she says.

Born and bred in Botshabelo, in the Free State, Thandiwe is the middle child in a family raised by a hardworking mother who transitioned from industrial work to domestic service. Her mother’s sacrifice inspired her to pursue education and change her family’s circumstances.

After completing school at Mabela Intermediate and Lefikeng Secondary School, Ncango began studying Business Management at a TVET College. She then earned a B-Tech in Human Resource Management from the Central University of Technology in 2016.

Thandiwe highlights the critical qualities for success in her role and  she says that paying attention to detail, empathy, organizational skills, and communication skills allows her to manage multiple sensitive tasks with care, ensuring that justice is accessible and compassionate.

Her journey is a testament to the power of resilience, empathy, and the will to make a difference. From the township of Botshabelo to the courtrooms of justice, Thandiwe Evodia Ncango continues to serve as a guardian of dignity and a force for good in the lives of many.

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Driven to serve his community with pride and dignity

By Makinta Kgomotso

His commitment to serve the community of Botshabelo with pride and dignity remains on top of the list for William Jamba. Serving as an Administration Clerk: Cash Hall at Botshabelo Magistrates Court is the 35-year-old William Jamba. His day to day responsibilities include payment of witness fees, receive payments for bail and fines, assets management and transport management for the Court.

Jamba joined the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development (DOJ&CD) in the year 2020 and he is proud to be part of a team that contribute to the smooth running of the finances in the court and contributing to the clean audits in the department.

Hailing from Bloemfontein in the Free State, William Jamba (35) is the last born of four children. He completed his primary schooling in 2003 at Daluxolo intermediate school, and completed his matric in 2007 at Hodisa Technical School. “I came from a very poor household raised by a single parent”.

As someone who comes from disadvantaged background, who has faced hardships, he wants to make a meaningful impact in his community.

He says as a young man whose life is rooted in deep sense of community and responsibility, during spare time, he team-up with fellow church members, identify elderly people that might need psychosocial support. He says, “We assist elderly people with cleaning, address social challenges, and sometimes arrange activities on special days like Mother’s Day. We want them to continue to feel that they are an integral part of our community.”

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Justice internship program opens doors

By Suzan Mphuthi

DOJ&CD internship programme has yielded positive results that has led to employment opportunities for some. A good example is Lehlohonolo Tsoho from Welkom who started as an intern in the department and was appointed permanently to serve as an Administrative Clerk in the criminal Court.

This 30-year-old completed a Diploma in Business Management at Goldfields TVET College in 2018. He takes us through his role as an Administrative Clerk in the Criminal Section.

Can you take us through your career path and describe how it led you to the role your serve?
I joined the Department of Justice as an Intern at Welkom Magistrate Court from 02 January 2019 until 30 September 2020. It was during this period where I got exposed to a number of sections and as a result, gained a lot of experience in the administration of courts. After completion of my Internship, I got a permanent post as an Administration Clerk at Welkom Magistrate Court from 01 March 2021 to date.

Can you share with our readers some of your daily responsibilities as Administration Clerk?
Administration of 1st appearance charge sheets for capturing of ECMS/ICMS system and record management. Administration of daily updating - postponement cases and daily updating of finalized cases on ECMS/ICMS system.

What are some of the major challenges currently facing the Administration Clerks in achieving their mandate?
Amongst others, Administration Clerks are often faced with challenges related time management; balancing multiple tasks and activities; adapting to new technologies brought about by the 4th Industrial Revolution, keeping up with changing office policies and maintaining effective communication.

What would you say motivates you to ensure access to justice for all and bringing hope to a fair justice system?
As stated in the Constitution, access to justice is a basic principle of the rule of law and no one is above the law. Therefore, this means that people have the right to have their matters heard before a court or an appropriate body. In the absence of access to justice, people are unable to have their voices heard, exercise their rights, challenge unfair discrimination and or hold decision-makers accountable.  

What would you say is your greatest strength, and how would you use this to guide your office going forward?
What I consider as my greatest strengths is effective communication skills that enables effective collaboration within the team, adaptability and allowing quick adjustments to changing priorities and environments; problem-solving abilities and facilitating solutions to more complex challenges.

What does Youth Month mean to you?
Youth month is a time to recognize the significant role young people have played in shaping the country’s history and future. It also serves as a platform for young people to voice their issues, inspire change and pursue their dreams.     

Tell us about your family life, how do you balance family and your professional roles?

Balancing my family and work life involves setting boundaries, prioritizing and basically making life for both as they are equally important and ultimately bring about fulfilment in all aspects of my life.

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Child Protection Week kicks off in Hammaskraal, north of Pretoria

The Department of Justice and Constitutional Development (DOJ&CD) officially kicked off its Child Protection Week Campaign in Hamanskraal, Stinkwater and surrounding areas.

Child Protection Week is observed annually during the last week of May to highlight the government’s commitment to safeguarding children from all forms of abuse. This year’s campaign was held under the theme: "Protecting Children’s Rights – Working Together to Fight Abuse."

MARCH TO THE CONSTITUTIONAL HILL TO HAND OVER A MEMORUNDUM TO HON MAMOLOKO KUBAYI.

About 200 children marched to the Constitutional court to handover memorandum to the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development Hon. Mmamoloko Kubayi. The march being held as part of the Child Protection Week to give children platform to voice their concerns about safety and protection.

The children's march is hosted by the Gauteng Department of Social Development in partnership with Teddy Bear Foundation, Nelson Mandela Children's Hospital and Childline South Africa; under the Them: Social Injustice Against Children Must Stop!!! Let us Make Gauteng Safe for Our Children.

SPREADING THE MESSAGE OF CHILD SAFETY IN HAMMANSKRAAL

The Child Protection Week campaign entered its third day with continued outreach in schools across Hamanskraal, led by officials from the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development, in partnership with the South African Police Service and Angels of Glory.

The engagements placed a strong focus on encouraging learners to speak out against all forms of abuse. Officials and partners held open discussions with learners, empowering them to understand their rights and reinforcing the importance of reporting abuse—persistently—until help is received.

The team reminded learners that every child has the right to grow up in a safe, nurturing, and abuse-free environment. Communities, families, and institutions all share the responsibility of protecting children and upholding their dignity.

CHILD PROTECTION WEEK: NORTH WEST PROVINCE 

The DOJ&CD North West Provincial Office working together with the Department of Education and other stakeholders, hosted an information awareness session as part of child protection week at Thuto ke Maatla Secondary school.