LYNN PILLAY

CHAIR PROJECT COMMITTEE

2005 - 2010

As part of Armsa's social responsibility the ARMSA Project Committee come into being as a result of a decision by the Annual General Meeting of ARMSA during November 2003.

The first chairperson to be elected to head this committee was Mr. Herman Buhr (2004/5) (Regional Magistrate - George).

After a valiant attempt to get this committee started Mr. Buhr was succeeded by Lynn Pillay (2005 -2010) (Regional Magistrate - Pretoria)

From the outset members from all regions of ARMSA had embraced community projects and this committee  each year exceed the number of projects it conduct in comparison with the previous year.  The following is a list of projects conducted by ARMSA in all the different regions of South Africa.

2004

• 16 DAYS OF ACTIVISM AGAINST VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMAN & CHILDREN (WESTERN CAPE)

• ARMSA - TOASTMASTERS YOUTH LEADERSHIP PROJECT (WESTERN CAPE)

2005

• ARMSA - TOASTMASTERS POLSMOOR LEADERSHIP PROJECT (WESTERN CAPE)

• ARMSA - UNIVERSITY OF PRETORIA - STREET LAW PROJECT (GAUTENG)

• ARMSA - TOASTMASTERS MAMELODI YOUTH LEADERSHIP PROJECT

• ARMSA - NATIONAL EDUCATIONAL THEATRE FOR SCHOOLS (NATIONAL @ 300 SCHOOLS)

• ARMSA - CELL C - TAKE A GIRL CHILD TO WORK DAY (GAUTENG)

• ARMSA TWO WEEK BLANKET CHALLENGE (GAUTENG)

• ARMSA - TOASTMASTERS SPEECH CRAFT COURSE (FREE STATE)

• ARMSA PRISON PROJECT (GAUTENG)

• ARMSA BLOOD DONATION DRIVE (GAUTENG)

• ARMSA STREET CHILDREN PROJECT (NORTHERN CAPE)

• ARMSA CRAZY DAISY PROJECT (NORTHERN CAPE)

• ARMSA - TOASTMASTERS SPEECH CRAFT COURSE (WESTERN CAPE)

• ARMSA - HIV & AIDS NATIONAL PROJECT: R7000 was raised at the ARMSA Annual Conference November 2005 at Gripe Dam. Money was donated to the St Nicholas Children’s Hospice in Bloemfontein

• ARMSA - 16 DAYS OF ACTIVISM AGAINST VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMAN & CHILDREN (NORTHERN CAPE)

2006

• ARMSA - UNIVERSITY OF PRETORIA - HUMAN RIGHTS DAY CELEBRATIONS (GAUTENG)

• ARMSA - TOASTMASTERS - YOUTH LEADERSHIP PROJECT (TONGAAT) (KWA-ZULU NATAL)

• ARMSA - NATIONAL EDUCATIONAL THEATRE FOR SCHOOLS (NATIONAL @ 300 SCHOOLS)

• ARMSA - SEXUAL OFFENCES AWARENESS PROJECT RIVERVIEW SCHOOL (KWA-ZULU NATAL)

• ARMSA - CHILD WELFARE PROJECT (EASTERN CAPE)

• ARMSA - YOUTH WEEK (TEMBA) (NORTH WEST)

• ARMSA - DEPT OF EDUCATION PARTNERSHIP DAY (GAUTENG)

• ARMSA - TOASTMASTERS YOUTH LEADERSHIP PROJECT (SOSHANGUVE) (GAUTENG)

• ARMSA - TOASTMASTERS - SPEECH CRAFT COURSE (TONGAAT) (KWA-ZULU NATAL)

• ARMSA - CELL C - TAKE A GIRL CHILD TO WORK DAY  TZANEEN, RITAVI & PHALABORWA (LIMPOPO)

• ARMSA - CELL C - TAKE A GIRL CHILD TO WORK DAY (KWA-ZULU NATAL)

• ARMSA - NATIONAL EDUCATIONAL THEATRE FOR SCHOOLS (KHAYALITSHA) (WESTERN CAPE)

• ARMSA - TOASTMASTERS YOUTH LEADERSHIP PROJECT (ROODEPOORT) (GAUTENG)

• ARMSA - TOASTMASTERS - SPEECH CRAFT COURSE (ROODEPOORT) GAUTENG)

• ARMSA - TOASTMASTERS - YOUTH LEADERSHIP PROJECT (BLOEMFONTEIN) (FREE STATE)

• ARMSA - TOASTMASTERS - YOUTH LEADERSHIP PROJECT (GEORGE) (WESTERN CAPE)

• ARMSA - HELP-A-CHILD-IN -NEED GO BACK TO SCHOOL (DE AAR) (NORTHERN CAPE)

• ARMSA - CANSA PROJECT (BLOEMFONTEIN) (FREE STATE)

• ARMSA - TIRELO HOSPICE CENTRE PROJECT (TEMBA) (NORTH WEST)

• ARMSA - HUMAN RIGHTS DAY CELEBRATIONS - INGWAVUMA, DURBAN, VERULAM & PORT SHEPSTONE (KWA-ZULU NATAL)

• ARMSA - US EMBASSY ALUMNI PROJECT - HERITAGE DAY CELEBRATIONS SPEECH CONTEST (PRETORIA) GAUTENG)

• ARMSA - US EMBASSY ALUMNI PROJECT - YOUTH LEADERSHIP WEEKEND

2007

• National Fund Raising Project: R9000 was raised at the ARMSA Annual Conference November 2006 in Gauteng. Money was donated to people opposing women abuse (POWA).

• Blood clinic: Kwazulu Natal reported a successful blood donation clinic set up at Verulam magistrate’s court in November 2006.

• Leadership Camp 8-10 December 2006: Gauteng: ARMSA and the US EMBASSY ALUMNI arranged a leadership camp for 26 learners from Mamelodi, Eersterust and Soshanguve schools.

• ARMSA-EASTERN CAPE:Mdantsane project: on 16 March 2007 regional magistrates arranged a drive to collect magazines and toys to improve conditions in court waiting rooms.

• ARMSA-EASTERN CAPE:Winter hope project: 25 may 2007: Eastern Cape finalised this project by handing over groceries and clothing to Jenny van der Merwe (house on rock) in East London. Value of goods exceeded R10 000.

• ARMSA-FREE STATE: Blanket drive in April 2007. On 2 may 2007 44 blankets and R1127.55 handed to child welfare and child line raised by regional magistrates in the Free State.

• ARMSA GAUTENG: Winter relief campaign 2 June 2007: ARMSA and a Soweto regional magistrates donated blankets, clothing and can food to assist hospital hills residents.

• ARMSA EASTERN CAPE:BLOOD DONATION CLINICS: 13 April 2007 a blood clinic set up at Mdantsane magistrate court by the regional magistrates. on 17 May 2007 a second clinic set up to accommodate magistrates who were unable to attend the first one. And on13 September 2007: Mdantsane Magistrate Court

• ARMSA GAUTENG: On22 February 2007: the ARMSA President addressed Edenvale Community Police Forum and 50 community members on the Criminal Justice System

• ARMSA GAUTENG: On 2 March 2007: National Project Chairperson addressed Germiston lawyers on criminal matters as per invitation by the legal aid board.

• ARMSA LIMPOPO: On7 June 2007: Dr. Pat Cloete visited Little Bedfordview Primary and focused on victim empowerment as part of a community outreach program.

• ARMSA EASTERN CAPE: Regional Committee approached their local Department of Justice Regional Office to provide proper textbooks for 22 regional magistrates that travel and don’t have access to court libraries. The Department of Justice made R44 000 available for this purpose.

• ARMSA Kwazulu Natal: HUMAN RIGHTS DAY: Regional Magistrates and prosecutors of Verulam court united and hosted 200 learners at Waterloo Community Hall on 27 March 2007 to celebrate Human Rights Day. The learners were addressed on constitutional and fundamental rights.

• ARMSA GAUTENG : HUMAN RIGHTS DAY: On 21 March 2007 ARMSA PRETORIA and the Department of Justice (Education) joined forces and hosted a moot court. Forty learners who are leaders in their respective schools in Gauteng attended.

• ARMSA GAUTENG: SEBOKENG: HUMAN RIGHTS DAY : 12 April2007: Regional Magistrates hosted an event attended by teachers, principals, members of community and learners from 25 schools. The talks focused on sexual offences cases.

• ARMSA FREE STATE: HUMAN RIGHTS DAYS:  8-16 March 2007 several schools in Bloemfontein were visited by Regional Magistrates and learners were addressed on rights/ justice system. The University of Free State was also visited. The 4th year social workers students were addressed on court preparation.

• ARMSA NORTH WEST: HUMAN RIGHTS DAY: Regional Magistrates visited Skampaneng Primary near Temba and 300 learners were addressed on the significance of human rights. Printed information handed out to learners.

• ARMSA GAUTENG: CELL C: TAKE A GIRL CHILD TO WORK DAY ARMSA and the Department of Justice hosted 30 learners from Soshanguve and surrounding schools, at the Pretoria Magistrate Court on 24 may 2007. Court role players addressed the learners on their functions in the system ARMSA prepared a package for the learners consisting of career opportunities in the law field and the relevant university information.

• ARMSA LIMPOPO : CELL C: TAKE A GIRL CHILD TO WORK DAY T various offices at the Limpopo Region hosted learners for the take a girl child to work program. 70 learners in the Lenyene area and another 40 learners in the Tzaneen area were addressed by court role players.

• ARMSA NORTH WEST: NATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY : Temba Court celebrated this event on 8 august 2007 by inviting 2 social workers who addressed staff and community members on places of safety and social grant. A local politician spoke on the significance of Women's Day.

• ARMSA EASTERN CAPE: NATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY: Mdantsane launched a project that will benefit thousands of women. They approached the Office Manager regarding the installing of a good quality Public Address System to improve communication in relation to maintenance payouts.

2008

NATIONAL PROJECTS: 

• NOVEMBER 2007:

  An amount of R8000 was raised at the ARMSA Annual Conference November 2007.  This money was donated to the “KHULISA happy feet project.” Lesley Ann from the organization addressed the magistrates at the conference and the cheque was handed to the Westbury Secondary School in February 2008.

• LEADERSHIP COURSE 2008:

  This course was launched at Laudium Secondary on 29/2/2008. A total of (16) sixteen learners were trained.  A Gala event took place 15/3/2008 in honour of Human Rights Day. Guest speaker: Judge Francis Legodi (Transvaal Provincial Division)

• WELFARE 2008:

  A two week Winter Hope Challenge was launched at the Pretoria Magistrate Court from the 16 May 2008 - 30 May 2008. Blankets & Food donated to Crossroads Shelter in Pretoria. Blankets & Food also donated to ACTS Welfare Department Midrand to distribute to the shelters.

REGIONAL PROJECTS:

• INTRODUCING 2008

  Official letters were sent to all regional committees setting out the expectations and a brief year plan after the National Executive Planning Meeting held on 11-13 January 2008. “Know how packages” were forwarded in the months that followed which included aspects of how to start a small project supported by letters, proforma’s, financial request forms , ideas for calendar events etc.

• KWA ZULU NATAL:

  INVITATIONS:

  ARMSA members addressed 60 final year students from the University of Kwa Zulu Natal professional legal training school on 1/2/2008. Topics included court etiquette, professional courtesy and case flow management.

• HUMAN RIGHTS DAY CELEBRATION:

  An informative day on human rights held at Summerfield primary school in Chatsworth in the March 2008

   

• LEADERSHIP COURSE:

  A leadership course was launched on 19/4/2008 at the Chatsworth Youth Centre. Twenty six (26) learners were trained by Toastmaster International. Gala event was celebrated on 15 June 2008 at Chatsworth Youth Centre

   

• WELFARE PROJECTS:

• VIP CHILDREN’S DAY HELD ON 19/4/2008.

  ARMSA Kwa Zulu Natal raised R12000 to supply refreshments for 2500 children from underprivileged homes. The regional magistrates and a district court magistrate assisted with activities at the program held at the International Convention Centre Durban.

   

• BLANKET DRIVE: (September 2008):

  A total of thirty (30) blankets collected by Regional Magistrates Durban and handed to homeless people at Durban Beach shelter.

   

• WORKSHOP AT VERULAM JUSTICE CENTRE:

  A workshop was held by Regional Magistrates Durban to inform attorneys on proper court procedure and drafting of documents. This workshop was successfully attended by twenty five (25) attorneys.

   

• ACCESS TO JUSTICE WEEK:

  A very successful outreach program was held at the Phoenix Acropolis mall on Saturday 2 August 2008. Thirty one (31) volunteers assisted in spreading the news on access to justice which included court officials from Verulam Court, Attorneys from Legal Circle, Legal Aid Board & staff from the Masters of the High Court Office.

   

• EDUCATIONAL TALKS TO JOURNALIST:

  On the 6^th August 2008 Regional Magistrates of the ARMSA Regional Committee conducted a workshop at Natal Newspapers in regard to the aspects of Freedom of the Press and a Fair Report.

   

• INGWAVUMA:

  THE FOLLOWING PROJECTS WERE CONDUCTED BY REGIONAL MAGISTRATE STEVE MUNDHREE OF INGWAVUMA:

   

• 18 APRIL 2008:

  Clothing distributed to the rural areas.

   

• 16-17 MAY 2008:

  A Mathematic Workshop was conducted in partnership with Dr. Moodley from University of Natal who lectured to 120 children on mathematics and provided them with essentials including math’s sets worth R120 each.

   

• 17 MAY 2008:

  A Human Rights celebration was conducted as a joint effort between Armsa & South African Police Service members.

   

• 17 JUNE 2008:

  A Traditional Seed Project launched in partnership with the Ingwavuma Women Centre, and the organized Bio-watch & Department of Agriculture for Ingwavuma Women’s Club.

   

• 18-21 JUNE 2008:

  Science & Mathematics Workshop - Regional Magistrate Mundhree arranged with Mr. Rajan Govender to presented Mathematics, Physical Science & Biology tuition to several students.

   

• 3-4 JULY 2008:

  Science & Mathematics Workshop - Arranged further tuition for students.

   

• 5 JULY 2008:

  Science & Mathematics Workshop - arranged with Mr. Naidoo, Vice Principal from a Durban High School to compile Biology notes which was handed to Ms Ntuli to assist grade 12 learners at Nyamane Secondary School.

   

• 5 JULY 2008:

  Handed over large quantity of books to start a school library at Nyamane under privileged Secondary School.

   

• 4 JULY 2008:

  A Moot Court was conducted where learners participated as Magistrates, Prosecutors, Attorneys, Court Orderlies & Witnesses. Participants were presented with certificates.

   

• 28 AUGUST 2008:

  Magistrates, staff and various station Commissioners hosted a Women’s Day awareness program where various speakers addressed the role of women.

   

• 18 SEPTEMBER 2008:

  Access to Justice Week in partnership with the Ubombo and Emanguzi Magistrates court.

   

• 18 OCTOBER 2008:

  The Regional Court in partnership with the Ingwavuma Police and Non Governmental Organizations hosted a crime awareness campaign with emphasis on sexual offences.

 EASTERN CAPE: 

•  JUNE 2008

  Open Day at Butterworth Regional Court attended by grade 12 learners & teachers from various schools. Activities included moot court & question & answer sessions.

   

• WINTER HOPE PROJECT:

  This project concluded on 27 June 2008 & items that were collected donated to Bethany Place of Safety in Mthatha.

   

• BLOOD DONATION:

   

• January 2008

  Blood donor project began

   

• 26 JUNE 2008:

  Mdantsane Regional Magistrates organized a successful blood clinic held at East London Magistrates Court.

   

• 2 JULY 2008:

  A successful blood clinic was held at Mdantsane Magistrate Court

   

• 3 SEPTEMBER 2008:

  Blood donation clinic held at Mdantsane

   

• MDANTSANE MAGAZINE PROJECT: 27 August 2008 magazines & children’s books handed to the Administration Manager to be utilized in the waiting room.

   

• EAST LONDON & MDANTSANE MEALS ON WHEELS:  

  ARMSA members contributed money in support of meals on wheels and items to the value of +/- R1000 handed over to Meals on Wheels on 26 August 2008.

   

• PROJECTS IN RURAL AREAS OF THE EASTERN CAPE:

  THE FOLLOWING PROJECTS WERE CONDUCTED BY REGIONAL MAGISTRATE BOOI OF THE MOUNT FRERE OFFICE:

   

• 17 MAY 2008:

  In partnership with Correctional Services an address on integration of ex offenders held.

   

• 31 MAY 2008:

  Regional Magistrate Booi arranged talks in the community on the revival of family values.

   

• 6 JUNE 2008:

  Organized an outreach to address parents & children on Child Care Act 74 of 1983 & meals were provided.

   

• 7 JUNE 2008:

  Regional Magistrate Booi in partnership with “Soulseekers” organized a meeting at Xhopozo addressing the community on domestic violence issues.

   

• 9 JUNE 2008:

  A Blood donation project were arranged at  Mount Frere

   

• WOMAN’S DAY EVENT:

  Held on 30 August 2008 in Mount Fletcher in partnership with rural women motivated them in regard to protection of their rights

   

• 18 SEPTEMBER 2008:

  Visit to Mount Frere High School and addressed learners on child law and donated 145 books to start a library at the school

   

• 28 SEPTEMBER 2008:

  Regional Magistrate Booi in partnership with a Mr. Papranga addressed the youth of Thabachicha Mount Fletcher on attaining majority for effective living in terms of the Children’s Act 38 of 2005.

WESTERN CAPE:

• LEADERSHIP COURSE:

  A Leadership Course was launched on Saturday 17 May 2008 at George. Nineteen (19) learners were trained in the area on leadership and public speaking. A Gala event were held on 27 September 2008 in honour of Heritage Day.

   

•  COURT VISIT:

  Wynberg Regional Court hosted two groups of high school learners from Philippi & Heideveld in partnership with Khulisa. Learners listened to court proceedings and participated in a question and answer sessions.

 NORTHERN CAPE

• OPEN DAY EVENTS 29 SEPTEMBER 2008:

  Learners from Paballelo High School hosted at Upington Regional Court. Blankets donated by Upington court personnel to Marcus Mbetha Place of Safety. Learners discussed decision after presentation of Moot Court at Upington Court. Regional Magistrates facilitated question and answer session for learners on legal issues. 

FREE STATE:

• OPEN DAY:

  A workshop was held on the new sexual offences Act at Rockland’s community hall. Learners from five different schools, teachers; parents & South African Police Service members attended the program.

   

• 28 MAY 2008:

  Bloemfontein Regional Magistrates hosted twenty (20)  girls from Botshabelo as part of the Cell C Take a Girl Child to Work Project.

   

• WELFARE:

  An amount of R2000 was collected by Free State Projects Committee and donated to Talitha Cumi Safe House to purchase school clothes for the children living at the safe house.

   

• OPEN DAY EVENTS:

  Two events arranged in Boshof and Dealesville. Forty Children were addressed by various court role players at the Regional Court.

NORTH WEST:

• TEMBA COURT:

  16 days of activism celebration on 7/12/2007. Eighty women were transported from the rural areas to listen to various speakers on women’s constitutional rights.

   

• WELFARE: TEMBA COURT

  Blankets, clothes  were collected for the aged at Ituro Centre which was handed to the house on 20/03/2008 in honour of Human Rights Day!

   

• INVITATIONS:

   OPEN DAY: TAUNG COURT

  A total of 109 grade 11 & 12 learners from Mankuroane High School were hosted at Taung Regional Court. The regional magistrate arranged a mock trial and addressed the learners on the aspects of sexual offences and minimum sentences.

   

• 29 MAY 2008:

• TAKE A GIRL CHILD TO WORK DAY:

  Ten girls from two high schools in Vryburg spent their day in court, listening to cases, discussing important issues and enjoyed a question & answer session with the Regional Magistrate.

MPHUMALANGA REGION:

• WELFARE:

MOZAMBIQUE OUTREACH TO ADDRESS POVERTY NEEDS.

Regional Magistrate Willy Wilken was involved in an outreach to Mozambique to address the dire needs of a poverty stricken country In June 2008 a group of + 30 people whom are carefully selected due to their skills left for Xai Xai and Shubuntu two local towns in Mozambique. School children were suplied with school books etc. and an orphanage with dolls, blankets, food etc.  Provision were also made to hand out food, clothes and medicine to this poverty and devastated area.  A doctor takes care of the sick in his consulting room (a tent under the tree)

• TAKE A GIRL CHILD TO WORK DAY

  Regional Magistrates of Nelspruit hosted twenty learners from Valencia High School in honour of Take a Girl Child to Work Day. The girls were addressed by various role players and a moot court was held.

   

• Workshop for Game Rangers:

  On 11 July 2008 workshop held at Skukuza on the application of section 49 Act 51 of 1977. Workshop attended by Forty Five Rangers & case material handed out to those that attended.

   

• MATAFFIN ORPHANAGE OUTREACH:

  Regional magistrates in Nelspruit initiated an outreach to supply food the needy children.

   

• GAUTENG:

  Court Visit:

  Regional Magistrate Juan Voogd of Nigel invited learners from the local high schools to court on 25 August 2008 and addressed them on possible careers in the legal field. The learners listened to court cases and discussions were successfully conducted.

     PLEASE PERUSE ARMSA REPORTS ON ACTIVITIES FOR THE PERIOD 2005 - 2010 FOR A COMPLETE OVERVIEW