The partnership between the DOJ&CD and the SABC 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 well-being.

“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 of 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:

Ligwalagwala FM Tuesdays at 21:30
Motsweding FM Wednesdays at 12:20
TruFM Wednesdays at 18:30
MLFM Wednesdays at 21:05
Ukhozi FM Wednesdays at 21:30
Umhlobo Wenene FM Wednesdays at 21:30
Ikwekwezi FM Thursdays at 21:05
Thobela FM Thursdays at 21:30
Phalaphala FM Fridays at 20:30
XKFM Saturdays at 11:10
RSG Sundays at 14:30
Lesedi FM Sundays at 21:05

Broadcast of Justice on the Airwaves ends March 2012.