The Safer South Africa Foundation (SSAF), established in 2012, has been honoured as a finalist for the prestigious CSI Legacy Awards in the category of Best Rising NGO. This recognition highlights SSAF’s commitment to innovative and transformative approaches in crime prevention through education, youth empowerment, and community engagement.
Operating across South Africa, SSAF addresses barriers to safety and security that hinder children and young people from realising their potential. Through strategic partnerships with the Department of Basic Education, the security cluster, and other organisations, SSAF equips communities with knowledge and tools to actively prevent crime. Their mission is to empower individuals to create safer, more resilient communities where opportunities flourish.
Central to SSAF’s impact is a series of carefully designed programmes tailored to address the unique challenges faced by communities. The Communities and Justice Programme (CJP) introduces young people to the criminal justice system through interactive sessions, role-playing, and visits to legal institutions. This hands-on approach builds trust between communities and law enforcement while fostering a deeper understanding of justice. SSAF also runs the Youth4SaferSouthAfrica Debate and Leadership Development Programme, equipping participants with public speaking and leadership skills that enable them to become ambassadors for crime prevention.
Other notable initiatives include the annual Silent Walk/Run, which promotes awareness of safety issues affecting the deaf and hard-of-hearing; community dialogues that facilitate collaboration on local safety concerns; and programmes supporting out-of-school youth in mining communities, empowering them to pursue constructive life paths and advocacy.
Aligned with South Africa’s National Development Plan and Vision 2030, as well as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 16 on peace and justice, SSAF aims to eliminate fear and violence from communities. Over the past decade, the foundation has positively impacted over 100,000 young people, inspiring transformative action in their lives.
Among SSAF’s success stories is Mutheiwana Thama, who, after participating in the CJP, founded an initiative that raised over R95,000 for school infrastructure improvements and later became a Community Development Facilitator with SSAF. Similarly, Kuhle Sicatsha, a graduate of SSAF’s debate and leadership programme, has gained international acclaim, representing South Africa at global forums and crediting SSAF for igniting her passion for advocacy and public speaking.
This nomination for the CSI Legacy Awards highlights SSAF’s effective and holistic approach to crime prevention. By addressing root causes, fostering education, and encouraging dialogue, SSAF is not only reducing crime but also building trust, resilience, and hope. With plans to scale its initiatives and deepen its community engagement, SSAF’s vision of a safer South Africa is steadily becoming a reality. This recognition celebrates the foundation’s unwavering dedication to empowering individuals and fostering inclusive, secure communities nationwide.
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