In 1996 the Government, in responding to the challenge of crime and with the active support of Business Against Crime, approved the National Crime Prevention Strategy (NCPS). This strategy was produced after wide consultation, including the United Nations, and represents one of only a few of its kind in the world. This strategy has been initiated and good progress is being made with the implementation of projects. Business Against Crime provides support and funding for many of these projects. Business Against Crime’s support activities are funded by private sector sponsorships and donations.

The role that Business Against Crime fulfils on behalf of South African business is to:

• Establish and maintain a dynamic vision and strategy for our public / private partnership;
• Assist with the determination of crime combating strategy, policy and priorities;
• Offer business skills to Government without creating a dependency, such as project management skills that enhance capacity to drive thought into action; and
• Create a mechanism for business involvement.

It is internationally accepted that a portfolio of interventions rather than any one action is required to reduce crime in the long run. These interventions should deal with:

• Promoting a less criminal society;
• Preventing crime in the community;
• A criminal justice system that plays a central role in providing the sanctions to enforce compliance with the law – a criminal justice system that works quickly, predictably, reliably and effectively.

The contribution by Business Against Crime focuses on the NCPS at a provincial level, Business Against Crime supports local initiatives and ensures partnerships are formed at the appropriate levels.

Today, the results are reflected in a partnership between business and Government, at all levels, that is regarded as one of the best practices of its kind internationally. It is a partnership that functions at both national and provincial level involving many business executives and other individuals and groups.

The structure of Business Against Crime comprises of seven provincial Section 21 companies, each of which operate autonomously, but all of which follow the agreed major strategies and directives of Business Against Crime South Africa.