What is the RJC
The Restorative Justice Centre is an NPO based in the heart of Pretoria. The Restorative Justice Centre’s main focus is promoting restorative justice practices as a means to peacebuilding and the constructive resolution of conflict. Restorative Justice Centre is a pioneer in the restorative justice sector and an important provider of restorative justice services in South Africa.
Who can benefit from RJC
RJC often generates positive outcomes in situations of conflict, harm and violence that cannot be achieved through other processes. Your personal healing and wellness is our number one priority. RJC also saves you time and money compared to conventional formal processes. The following groups will benefit from our services:
RJC’s services
Over the past few years restorative justice have been integrated into a range of services and contexts. By drawing on our faith heritage and academic disciplines we aim to offer leadership, tools and support to everyone who is pursuing a restorative vision.
Status of RJC in SA
South Africa has embraced Restorative Justice in a number of significant ways.
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission is regarded as a pioneering example of applying the concept at a macro political level.
The concept has been defined in at least two pieces of legislation (The Probation Services Act, 1991 and the Child Justice Act, 2008); a National Policy Framework has been drafted and several superior court judgements have established a significant jurisprudence.
Follow the read more button to find out which superior courts have ruled on restorative justice.
Advocacy
Every issue of critical importance requires organisations to passionately champion its cause in order to bring about social and legislative change: whether it's saving rhinos or supplying ARV's to HIV patients. RJ is an essential ingredient to turning the tide of crime in SA. Without it we face fuller prisons, and victims living in fear and pain. RJC's work over the past 10 years has raised RJ to the national agenda and we will continue to advocate the use of the processes on all fronts
Success Stories
Seventeen years ago, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission granted amnesty to four young men who had been sentenced to jail for killing American Fulbright scholar Amy Biehl in Gugulethu in 1993. The manner in which her parents, Peter and Linda Biehl, chose to deal with her death as well as their decision to forgive and engage with the killers, provided a much-needed example of restorative justice.
Click on the button below to read up on stories that will inspire you to believe in the Restorative Justice system of South Africa.
How can i get involved?
Become a member of RJC or a volunteered facilitator in our Sycamore Tree Project. The RJC welcomes your involvement. There are various way you can get involved. The first option is to donate to the RJC's cause. It is a quick and easy process. You can make a donation or you can become a member of RJC or a volunteered facilitator in our Sycamore Tree Project.