Rapid Synthesis Evaluation of the Safety and Security Sector

Citofield has been commissioned by the Department of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation (DPME) to undertake a synthesis evaluation of five (5) reports in the Safety and Security Sector. This report seeks to summarize the evaluation reports, capturing main points, commonalities and variations on the evaluations, findings, conclusions and recommendations. This evaluation is synthesizing five safety and security sector evaluations previously conducted. The aim is to explore and describe their relevancy, and where possible, to define and flesh out plausible recommendations, which will form the new area of focus for the Department. The documents synthesized include ending Violence Against Women and Children (VAWC), Integrated Justice System (IJS), National Drug Master Plan (NDMP), Incremental Investment in Forensic Services (IIFS) and detective’s services (DS). Anecdotal evidence suggests that the current performance analysis of the South African safety and security sector should be understood within the country’s historical context. Safety and security elements of the citizens of South Africa are a fundamental human right enshrined in the Constitution and a necessary condition for human development, improved quality of life and enhanced productivity (Civilian Secretariat, 2013). When communities do not feel safe and live in fear, the country’s economic development and the people’s wellbeing is affected, hindering their ability to attain their potential.