South Africa’s cancelling of Covid criminal records must be just the start | Koketso Moeti
Stigmatising those who come into conflict with the law is damaging the economy and can lead to a spiral of reoffending
South Africa’s justice minister, Ronald Lamola, confirmed last month that a process is under way to help expunge the criminal records of people who violated Covid-19 restrictions. More than 400,000 South Africans were arrested during the country’s lockdown for trying to make a living and not adhering to the curfew.
This is a welcome announcement from the justice department, and a step that should be prioritised. People with criminal records routinely face discrimination when seeking employment, even though legally they should not. In 2008, South Africa amended legislation to enable those who have been involved with the justice system to have their record expunged based on specific criteria. Having a criminal record can create barriers to movement across borders and restrict access to further education, severely limiting people’s economic opportunities. This makes it harder for them to contribute positively to society and the economy, and to improve their lives and those of their families.
Read the original article at The Guardian