REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA COMBINED SECOND PERIODIC REPORT UNDER THE AFRICAN CHARTER ON HUMAN AND PEOPLE`S RIGHTS and INITIAL REPORT UNDER THE PROTOCOL TO THE AFRICAN CHARTER ON THE RIGHTS OF WOMEN IN AFRICA 158. Before the trial, as part of the TCC-model, a case manager will oversee the prosecutor-guided investigation and will ensure that the case is trial and court ready. The case manager is a legally qualified official with specific additional expertise in dealing with gender-based violence matters. 159. With regards to the trial, consultations with a specialist prosecutor will take place before the case goes to court and court preparation by a victim-assistant officer will be undertaken. The person must also be given an explanation of the possible outcome and regular updates of the trial process by the case manager. The Thuthuzela model is an outstanding example of interdepartmental cooperation. 160. The Court Preparation Programme is a realistic and practical programme aimed at preparing witnesses to effectively testify in court. In order to attain this aim, Court Preparation Officers have to be equipped to identify and address the individual needs of witnesses. Witnesses are informed of the court environment, legal processes and legal terms. The fears and concerns of witnesses about testifying are addressed and the programme aims to reduce secondary victimisation. The witness is provided with skills and information to cope with the stress of giving evidence through the use of a specific model. Furthermore, the merits of the case are not discussed during the court preparation process. 161. Ke Bona Lesedi, which means “I see the light”, is a court preparation programme designed to address fears and concerns of child witnesses going to court. It is intended to contribute towards the effective implementation of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Amendment Act360 and to assist prosecutors to have effective, non-traumatised and credible witnesses. The programme contributes towards successful convictions and a reduction in the withdrawal of cases. 162. In a bid to sensitize society on the rights of victims, South Africa launched the Victims’ Rights Week in September 2010. During this week, which is held annually in September, government departments within the criminal justice system, coordinated by the Department of Social Development, seek to raise public awareness about victim rights. The public are provided with information about what interventions and services are provided by government departments to victims of crime. In addition to providing information, the week provides government departments with an opportunity to respond to issues faced by the public and crime victims, in a coordinated manner. ARTICLE 5: ELIMINATION OF HARMFUL PRACTICES 163. 360 Harmful practices, which negatively affect the fundamental rights of women and girls, are expressly prohibited in South Africa. In this regard, the Equality Act, Section 8 (d), stipulates that unfair discrimination on the ground of gender includes “any practice, including traditional, customary or religious practice, which impairs the dignity of women and undermines equality Act No. 32 of 2007 179