JUSTICE ON THE AIRWAVES

Justice on the Airwaves

Justice on the Airwaves is a radio programme produced in partnership between the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development (DOJ&CD) and the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC). The partnership shares a mandate of ensuring continued public engagement on civic, democracy and human rights matters so that citizens can make informed decisions on issues that affect their wellbeing.

“Through the 26 episodes, listeners will learn about the justice system and be encouraged to unite in the protection of human rights and exercise responsibilities reflected in the constitution. Justice on the Airwaves promotes values in the constitution, human rights, confidence in the justice system and raises awareness of the services offered by the department and how to access the processes” says Pontsho Makhetha, Head of SABC Education’s Public Information and Social Development unit.

Topics to be covered by each radio station include: overview of the Master’s office, wills/ interstate succession, types of marriages, guardian’s fund, improving the maintenance system, maintenance procedure, access to funds, cross border maintenance, Operation Isondlo , hierarchy of courts; structure and criminal procedure, victim’s rights and responsibilities, bail processes, witness protection, case backlogs, procedure of lodging claims at the small claims court, equality act and courts, xenophobia, racism and related intolerances, restorative justice, extraditions, sexual offences, Ukuthwala, child justice act, family advocate (International abduction of children) and domestic violence. A topic may be discussed in two to three episodes, to give listeners more time to call-in and ask questions.

Phumla Sekhonyane, Director: Media Research & Liaison from the (DOJ&CD) says “Justice on the Airways is part of our newly conceptualized communication strategy to reposition the department’s image internally and externally. The strategy includes internal programmes, the television series Final Verdict and interactions through social networks. The strategy is centred around ‘Jwayela I-Justice’, (get used to justice) which is a call to all South Africans to learn about the constitution, department’s services, procedures in the criminal justice system and processes of accessing justice. We hope Justice on the Airwaves will help educate listeners about the values contained in the constitution.”

Justice on the Airwaves is broadcast on the following SABC radio stations:

Lesedi fm Sundays at 21h05 Thobela fm Thursdays at 21h30
Motsweding fm Wednesdays at 12h20 Trufm Wednesdays at 18h30
RSG Sundays at 14h30 Ukhozi fm Wednesdays at 21h30
Umhlobo Wenene fm Wednesdays at 21h30 Phalaphala fm Fridays at 20h30
MLfm Wednesdays at 21h05 XKfm Saturdays at 11h10
Ikwekwezi fm Thursdays at 21h05 Ligwalagwala fm Tuesdays at 21h30

Broadcast of Justice on the Airwaves ends March 2012.