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 Measures to enhance private – public sector cooperation: 129. Government has led initiatives which enhance co-operation between the private and public sector and also ensure that the strategies adopted are complementary. In August 2010, the SAPS and Business against Crime South Africa signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). This was an initiative focused on improving operational capacity and performance across the board. The scope of this has been expended to include requests from the JCPS Cluster which has the responsibility for finalising policy and the identification of priority areas. This has included the secondment of key individuals with specialised skills and the provision of support. These efforts have enhanced the relationship between the private and public sector and have been incorporated into other departments. 130. In addition, the Civilian Secretariat of Police during 2011 developed a policy framework in relation to Community Safety Forums (CSF). The concept of a CSF is based on the premise that increased co-operation and interaction would improve the functioning and deliberations within the local criminal justice system and the delivery of crime prevention projects. The framework resulted in the CSF concept evolving as a replicable structure that can be established in the various cities and towns countrywide. The CSF structure acts as an integrated problem solving mechanism at local level; provides a further means for sharing information between government (and in particular the police and the local authorities) and civil society; and also leads to an inter-disciplinary approach to crime prevention. The model has been rolled out country-wide and has had a positive impact at local level. 131. Community Safety Forums (CSF’s) are meant to facilitate the delivery of a multi-sectoral governmental approach on safety in local communities and is distinguished from the CPF through its jurisdiction and tasks. In addition to this model, there are also Community Police Forums (CPFs). The CPF is a legal community structure established in terms of the South African Police Service Act and is mandated to facilitate community–police relations within a specific police station precinct and serves as the mouthpiece of the community with the police and vice versa on policing matters and other relevant safety issues. Members of this forum are elected during formal election processes and get its mandate from the community to execute the legal powers and functions. The jurisdiction of a CSF is aligned to the municipal and/or district municipal jurisdiction/boundary. Once a CPF is formalized and established, it facilitates and enhances co-operation, ensures integrated planning and coordinates implementation of safety programmes and projects in the local sphere. It consists of representatives formally nominated and endorsed by the respective department, institution or community based organisation. In this regard, the CPF is one of the stakeholders represented in the CSF structure. 41