South Africa’s major media outlets have been abuzz with discussions of the New South Institute’s (NSI) recently released report, “The Function of the Police: Crime, Social Emergencies, and Disorder“. The report, authored by NSI’s Executive Director and co-founder, Ivor Chipkin, examines the intricate challenges facing the South African Police Services (SAPS).

Chipkin has been leading the dialogue on multiple platforms, ensuring widespread understanding of the report’s critical analyses. Featured on Cape Talk 567 AM’s morning radio show, Views and News with Clarence Ford, Chipkin delved into the core arguments of his report. He highlighted the significant shift in the police’s role from combating crime to managing social emergencies, a transition that occurred in the early 2000s and has since impacted the service’s professionalization and effectiveness.

Furthermore, he pointed out the alarming reduction in resources allocated to crucial police functions over the past 15 years, particularly since 2010. Essential aspects of policing have seen significant funding cuts, while management positions and VIP services have been disproportionately favored.

Following this insightful radio discussion, Chipkin also appeared on two of South Africa’s leading TV news networks, eNCA and SABC News, broadening the reach of NSI’s research findings. These features offered an engaging exploration of the issues within the SAPS, ranging from post-apartheid era policing strategies to the politicization of senior appointments.

Throughout these discussions, the central themes of the NSI report were effectively communicated, subtly arguing for a return to rigorous debates and a refocus on core policing activities. Chipkin’s interviews on these influential platforms underscore the urgency for a merit-based succession system, depoliticization of senior appointments, and improved community accountability.

The extensive media coverage of NSI’s report across radio and television networks has amplified its impact, encouraging a nationwide dialogue about the reform of SAPS. Through these discussions, NSI continues to play a significant role in shaping discourse around South African public policy, demonstrating the power of evidence-based research in effecting change.