Action Society
 | A major contributor to this article appears to have a close connection with its subject. (September 2023) |
| Type | Non-profit organisation |
|---|---|
| Focus | Civil rights, Community safety, Crime prevention |
| Location | |
Area served | South Africa |
| Method | Advocacy, Community engagement, Public awareness campaigns |
Key people | Ian Cameron (Community Safety Director) |
Action Society is a non-profit organisation based in Cape Town, South Africa, focused on civil rights, community safety, and crime prevention.[1] The organization engages with communities and advocates for victims of crime, specifically those affected by gender-based violence and sexual offences.
Background
[edit]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.[2][3]
The organization attracts attention due to its vocal stance against perceived inadequate policies and resources allocated to fight crime in South Africa.[4]
Ian Cameron
[edit]Ian Cameron is the Community Safety Director at Action Society. Cameron is a main figure in the organization's efforts to advocate for reforms in the justice system and to advocate against gender-based violence.[5]
Cameron became more publicly known following an incident with the police minister, Bheki Cele, during a community policing engagement in Gugulethu, Cape Town.[5] Cameron's comments during a question-and-answer session drew sharp reactions from Cele, leading to Cameron's removal from the premises. Cameron's emphasis is largely on addressing the high incidences of violent crimes, particularly those against children, advocating for increased societal awareness and responsiveness to these issues.[5][6]
Born in Kempton Park, Cameron moved to the UK with his family at the age of six but later returned to South Africa. He holds a background in police science from Unisa and has undertaken various courses related to incident command and local government from various institutions. Before joining Action Society, he worked for AfriForum, focusing on farm attacks and victim support.[6]
Advocacy
[edit]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.[7][8]
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
[edit]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,[9]
- Domestic Violence Amendment Bill,[9]
- Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Amendment Bill,[9]
- Criminal Law (Forensic Procedures) Amendment Bill [B25-2021,[10] and
- Independent Police Investigative Directorate Amendment Bill [B21-2023].[11]
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.
Impact
[edit]The organization has experienced increased interest and support following its interactions with Minister Bheki Cele.[12] Action Society hasplayed a role in sustaining momentum around addressing crime and has been involved in the oversight of investigations and prosecutions.[13][14] 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
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ "About Us". Action Society. Retrieved 30 September 2023.
- ^ "Ian Cameron on Cele's 'shut up' blow out/devolution of WC police". BizNews. 27 September 2022. Retrieved 30 September 2023.
- ^ Marvin Charles. "Lobby group to lay formal complaint against Cele after member removed from public meeting on crime". News24. Retrieved 30 September 2023.
- ^ Unathi Nkanjeni (9 March 2023). "Petition calling for Bheki Cele to be axed as police minister gets support". BusinessDay. Retrieved 30 September 2023.
- ^ a b c Alex Patrick. "Ian Cameron: Who exactly is Bheki Cele's new nemesis?". Times Live. Retrieved 30 September 2023.
- ^ a b Hanlie Retief (26 July 2020). "Hanlie Retief gesels met Ian Cameron". Rapport. Retrieved 30 September 2023.
- ^ "DNA backlog numbers by police are misleading, says Action Society". IOL. 13 December 2022. Retrieved 30 September 2023.
- ^ Keshia Africa (29 August 2023). "Justice for rape survivors: South Africa's DNA backlog faces uphill battle". IOL. Retrieved 30 September 2023.
- ^ a b c "Action Society's Submissions on the Gender Based Violence Amendment Bills". Action Society. 7 July 2021. Retrieved 30 September 2023.
- ^ "Action Society's Submissions on the Criminal Law (Forensic Procedures) Amendment Bill [B25-2021]". Action Society. 15 July 2022. Retrieved 30 September 2023.
- ^ "Action Society's Submissions on the Independent Police Investigative Directorate Amendment Bill [B21-2023]" (PDF). Action Society. 29 September 2023. Retrieved 30 September 2023.
- ^ Xolile Mtumbu (13 July 2022). "Meet Ian Cameron, the man who wants to take down Bheki Cele". IOL. Retrieved 30 September 2023.
- ^ Nompilo Kunene (13 October 2022). "Action Society wants answers from police regarding Pastor Liezel de Jager's murder case". The Witness. Retrieved 30 September 2023.
- ^ Chris Steyn. "Evil monsters are hunting our children – Ian Cameron". BizNews. Retrieved 30 September 2023.