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Structured Partnership Signed Between BACSA and the SAPS

Thursday, 26 August 2010, Johannesburg

Business Against Crime South Africa (BACSA) and the SA Police Service (SAPS) yesterday signed a formal partnership agreement in Johannesburg in the presence of the BACSA Board and SAPS officials from the Office of the National Commissioner.

Mark Lamberti, Chairman of BACSA says, “The Memorandum Of Understanding (MOU) we have signed is a significant milestone in the evolution of a long standing working relationship between the SAPS and BACSA. For many years we have worked with the SAPS to assist wherever needed and wherever requested in the reduction of crime, both within the business environment and in broader society. This MOU provides a more formal basis on which the resources and skills of business can be used by the SAPS to reduce crime and create a country where the lives and property of all citizens are safe and secure.

This MOU also reflects the enhancement of the interface between BACSA and SAPS, which has occurred since the appointment of General Cele.

We believe that crime will only be reduced by a dedication to upright behavior by law-abiding citizens in every sector of South African society. As business, we have chosen to play our part by way of a Private Public Partnership with the South African Police and our commitment to this partnership is demonstrated once more in the signing of this MOU today,” says Lamberti.

SAPS National Commissioner, General Bheki Cele echoed Mr Lamberti’s sentiments, underlining the value of the partnership between Government and business, “In carrying out our fundamental mandate of serving and protecting fellow South Africans we are mindful of the crucial element of harnessing the capacity of business and the private sector in support of our common interest. We certainly believe that this partnership will yield tremendous results towards our efforts to vigorously fight crime and its remnants and ensure that the people of South Africa are and feel safe”, said Cele.

“By the joining of minds, determination and commitment, the Police and business sector can indeed make a difference and push back the frontiers of evil,” Cele added.

Dr Graham Wright, CEO of BACSA indicated that “BACSA has, over the past 14 years, supported Government in addressing issues such as the priority crimes and the improvement of the Criminal Justice System (CJS). The agreement signed yesterday builds on this foundation and brings the strategic involvement of the business community in the fight against crime to a new level. We are pleased that we have reached this stage as it is reflects the maturity of a long-standing, mutually beneficial relationship.”

The MOU recognises the importance of co-operation between the Police Service and the business sector in crime-related matters and spells out the strategic commitment of the parties to focus on:

Areas of operational support related to police capacity and capacity-building, and
Partnership assistance and support to the Service and its partners.

Dr Wright says that the areas of focus and support may change over time as new needs arise and the working relationship between the parties is strengthened.

Importantly, the MOU helps leverage business support and expertise in alignment with the SAPS’s strategic objectives. It also puts in place a bi-annual review process which will assess the implementation of agreed projects and programmes.

“The accountability mechanisms brought into effect by the MOU will significantly enhance our joint delivery on agreed initiatives,” says Dr Wright.

Dr Wright adds, “The tangible outcomes of specific projects undertaken by the parties will be monitored and evaluated on a quarterly basis to ensure their efficiency and effectiveness and ensure that best practices are implemented”.

Dr Wright points to the MOU’s provision for strategic support for existing projects/initiatives already undertaken by the SAPS and expansion into new areas based on the needs of the Police.

“In the near future, we will be engaging on those Government-defined priority areas as a key, strategic partner with a focus on systemic improvements that translate into better service delivery for the ordinary person. BACSA hopes that its reaffirmed and revitalised role, within the framework of the structured partnership, will lay a solid foundation for enhanced policing in the fight against crime”, says Dr Wright.