Action Society
{{Short description|Non-profit organisation based in Cape Town, South Africa}}
{{Infobox organization
| name = Action Society
| image =
| caption =
| founder =
| type = Non-profit organisation
| location = Cape Town, South Africa
| key_people = Ian Cameron (Former Community Safety Director)
| area_served = South Africa
| focus = Civil rights, Community safety, Crime prevention
| method = Advocacy, Community engagement, Public awareness campaigns
| website =
}}
Action Society is a non-profit organisation based in Cape Town, South Africa, focused on civil rights, community safety, and crime prevention.{{cite web |url=https://actionsociety.co.za/about-us/ |title=About Us |publisher=Action Society |accessdate=30 September 2023}} The organization engages with communities and advocates for victims of crime, specifically those affected by gender-based violence and sexual offences.
Background
Action Society has been engaged in addressing issues related to public safety and has had confrontations with Police Minister Bheki Cele concerning community safety events and policies.{{cite web |url=https://www.biznews.com/thought-leaders/2022/09/27/ian-cameron-wc-police-devolution |title=Ian Cameron on Cele's 'shut up' blow out/devolution of WC police |publisher=BizNews |date=27 September 2022 |accessdate=30 September 2023}}{{cite web |url=https://www.news24.com/news24/southafrica/news/lobby-group-to-lay-formal-complaint-against-cele-after-member-removed-from-public-meeting-on-crime-20220706 |title=Lobby group to lay formal complaint against Cele after member removed from public meeting on crime |author=Marvin Charles |publisher=News24 |accessdate=30 September 2023}}
The organization attracts attention due to its vocal stance against perceived inadequate policies and resources allocated to fight crime in South Africa.{{cite web |url=https://www.businesslive.co.za/bd/national/2023-03-09-petition-calling-for-bheki-cele-to-be-axed-as-police-minister-gets-support/ |title=Petition calling for Bheki Cele to be axed as police minister gets support |author=Unathi Nkanjeni |publisher=BusinessDay |date=9 March 2023 |accessdate=30 September 2023}}
Projects
Action Society works to bring attention to social ills that continue to impact South African communities. The organization has particularly highlighted issues related to the handling of DNA backlogs by police and has criticized the reporting of backlog numbers as misleading.{{cite web |url=https://www.iol.co.za/capeargus/news/dna-backlog-numbers-by-police-are-misleading-says-action-society-d57c4c0d-46cb-4ea6-bf8b-4d3798e8ea58 |title=DNA backlog numbers by police are misleading, says Action Society |publisher=IOL |date=13 December 2022 |accessdate=30 September 2023}}{{cite web |url=https://www.iol.co.za/weekend-argus/news/justice-for-rape-survivors-south-africas-dna-backlog-faces-uphill-battle-ffe1a008-0798-4506-a371-6f373819aa7b |title=Justice for rape survivors: South Africa's DNA backlog faces uphill battle |author=Keshia Africa |publisher=IOL |date=29 August 2023 |accessdate=30 September 2023}}
The organization has also engaged in efforts to challenge what they deem to be inadequate deployment of police resources in crime-afflicted areas and has been involved in discussions about the devolution of policing power to local levels in the Western Cape.
= Submissions =
Action Society is actively involved in the legislative process and regularly participates in public participation processes to submit comments and insights on proposed legislation. The organization has proactively engaged in discussions and provided inputs on several amendment bills including:
- The Criminal and Related Matters Amendment Bill,{{cite web |url=https://actionsociety.co.za/action-societys-submissions-on-the-gender-based-violence-amendment-bills/ |title=Action Society's Submissions on the Gender Based Violence Amendment Bills |publisher=Action Society |date=7 July 2021 |accessdate=30 September 2023}}
- Domestic Violence Amendment Bill,
- Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Amendment Bill,
- Criminal Law (Forensic Procedures) Amendment Bill [B25-2021,{{cite web |url=https://actionsociety.co.za/action-society-submission-co-bill/ |title=Action Society's Submissions on the Criminal Law (Forensic Procedures) Amendment Bill [B25-2021] |publisher=Action Society |date=15 July 2022 |accessdate=30 September 2023}} and
- Independent Police Investigative Directorate Amendment Bill [B21-2023].{{cite web |url=https://actionsociety.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Submission-on-the-Independent-Police-Investigative-Directorate-Amendment-Bill-by-ACTION-SOCIETY.pdf |title=Action Society's Submissions on the Independent Police Investigative Directorate Amendment Bill [B21-2023] |publisher=Action Society |date=29 September 2023 |accessdate=30 September 2023}}
The organization's focus during these advocacy initiatives is often oriented towards enhancing the justice system and applying pressure on the government to enact reforms, particularly in areas relating to gender-based violence.
= Community Safety Initiatives =
In October 2024, Action Society, in partnership with the Embassy of the Czech Republic, launched the Lentegeur Neighbourhood Watch Container Project in Mitchells Plain, Cape Town. The initiative provided a 12 m3 container equipped with solar power, radios, and clothing to support the Lentegeur Community Watch. This facility replaced a smaller wooden shed and serves as a base for approximately 60 community members who patrol the area and escort children to school. The project aims to enhance safety in a neighborhood affected by gang-related violence.{{cite web |url=https://actionsociety.co.za/lentegeur-community-watch-receive-safety-container-action-society/ |title=Lentegeur Community Watch Receives Safety Container |publisher=Action Society |date=11 October 2024 |accessdate=5 March 2025}}
Impact
The organization has experienced increased interest and support following its interactions with Minister Bheki Cele.{{cite web |url=https://www.iol.co.za/business-report/careers/meet-ian-cameron-the-man-who-wants-to-take-down-bheki-cele-e3500aef-a228-44e8-9516-9eb53a39c294 |title=Meet Ian Cameron, the man who wants to take down Bheki Cele |author=Xolile Mtumbu |publisher=IOL |date=13 July 2022 |accessdate=30 September 2023}}
Action Society has played a role in sustaining momentum around addressing crime and has been involved in the oversight of investigations and prosecutions.{{cite web |url=https://www.citizen.co.za/witness/news/action-society-want-answers-from-police-regarding-pastor-liezel-de-jagers-murder-case/ |title=Action Society wants answers from police regarding Pastor Liezel de Jager's murder case |author=Nompilo Kunene |publisher=The Witness |date=13 October 2022 |accessdate=30 September 2023}}{{cite web |url=https://www.biznews.com/interviews/2023/08/15/evil-monsters-hunting-children-ian-cameron |title=Evil monsters are hunting our children – Ian Cameron |author=Chris Steyn |publisher=BizNews |accessdate=30 September 2023}}
The organization also actively participates in addressing cases of gender-based violence, seeking to assist in various capacities to bring justice to victims.
External links
- [https://actionsociety.co.za/ Official Website]