In conversation with... Gareth Newham

In conversation with... Gareth Newham

“I hope and dream that South Africa can manage to achieve its incredible potential. And that its people will have the courage and boldness to do things differently and build a just and inclusive society.” Gareth Newham, Head of the Justice and Violence Prevention Programme at the Institute for Security Studies in Pretoria.

The early years Born in Hillbrow, Gareth Newham grew up in Brackenhurst and then Bedfordview. He matriculated in 1987 at St Benedict’s College, a school he describes as independent and multi-racial. Other schools, were not, however.

The pursuit of justice I’ve always been sensitive to injustice as a result of my upbringing. I became good friends with the black guys in my class, which brought home the injustice and cruelty of apartheid. I have fought for justice ever since.

Originally planning to become a game ranger, Gareth’s career focus shifted in his senior school years. He was awarded a Master’s Degree in Public and Development Management (MM-P&DM) from the University of the Witwatersrand in 2002. This was preceded by a Post-Graduate Diploma in Applied Social Science Research Methodology from the University of Stellenbosch in 1997, an Honours Degree in Political Studies in 1994, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Sciences in 1993, the latter both being from the University of Cape Town.

When did you join the Institute of Security Studies (ISS)? In January 2010. Previously, I had been the Special Projects Manager and Strategic Advisor to the Gauteng MEC for Community Safety, Firoz Cachalia, since 2006. Before that I spent seven years working for the Criminal Justice Programme at the Centre for the Study of Violence and Reconciliation.

No typical days I don’t really have a typical day as I’m constantly confronting and tackling new challenges. This comes with having ultimate responsibility for managing 20 projects funded from 16 grants that involve numerous government and civil society partners. The projects are clustered into four key focus areas:

• Improving and understanding violence and violent crime in South Africa;

• Supporting better criminal justice with a main focus on policing and prosecutions;

• Promoting evidence-based violence prevention interventions; and

• Tracking and analysing corruption and the state’s response to it.

What does this involve? Quantitative and qualitative research and analysis. Producing short articles, policy briefs, reports, accredited journal articles, book chapters and multi-media products aimed at a variety of audiences. Convening events such as seminars, roundtables, workshops and conferences, and assisting in the development of strategies, policies and legislation. Briefing and doing presentations to different partners and stakeholders. And liaising with the media. Fortunately, I have an excellent team of skilled and dedicated people working in the programme that I head.

What motivates you to get out of bed every day? Currently, my 20-month-old daughter who is a very early riser! And then the list of tasks I need to complete each day.

As a country with a terrible crime record, what do you feel needs to be done, and by whom? Unfortunately, there are no simple answers to this question. While the State has a constitutional duty to ensure that we live in a safe country, we all have a role to play. Those in the State need to develop and implement clear, practical and measurable plans to professionalise the police, and improve the capacity of the Hawks and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).

While improving the criminal justice system is necessary to build the rule of law and public safety in South Africa, this will not be sufficient to address the high levels of violence in our society. Much more needs to be done to intervene in the factors, and change the mindsets that result in many people using violence to solve problems, react to conflict or express their frustrations. There are many evidence-based violence prevention interventions that are currently underway, but these need to be better coordinated and scaled up. These are programmes that all of us can be involved in as they are aimed at providing practical assistance and support to the caregivers of young children, learners in primary and secondary schools, and young adults.

Of the various crime categories, femicide and child abuse are making constant headlines. What does this say about South Africa? It says that we are a deeply traumatised and patriarchal nation. Too many men have grown up being exposed to violence and see it as normal or necessary to navigate their relationships with, or control women and children.

What are your fears and concerns for South Africa? That we continue to under-perform and fail to solve our challenges of reducing poverty, inequality, unemployment and violence.

Ticked off the bucket list: Gareth Newham has climbed variious mountains including Kilimanjaro and Mount Kenya.

Ticked off the bucket list: Gareth Newham has climbed variious mountains including Kilimanjaro and Mount Kenya.

What attributes do you most admire in people? Integrity, dedication and humour. I’ve learned a lot from the people around me – particularly from those whose knowledge, passion and dedication I respect and admire. Fortunately, I’ve never experienced a shortage of people from whom I can learn and who inspire me to do better.

What do you in your leisure time? I have two young adopted children, so my leisure time is all about family.

What’s on your bucket list? I am lucky enough to have largely achieved what’s on my bucket list. I have travelled to 41 countries on five continents. I’ve climbed various mountains including Kilimanjaro and Mount Kenya.

I have also scuba-dived, skydived, bungee-jumped, river-rafted and trekked through all sorts of remote areas including the Amazon Jungle, the Himalayas and a number of African nature reserves across the continent.

I’ve been very fortunate to have had many amazing and life-enriching experiences backpacking around Africa, South America and Asia with my highly accomplished wife, who has been the love of my life of 21 years.

The books on your bedside table? I’m currently reading As if Born to Me. It’s my sister, Susan Newham-Blake’s second book. Next on my list is Jonny Steinberg’s latest book One Day in Bethlehem.