Coordinator: Sibongile Masondo. Sibongile has been with CCJ since 2002.
Tel / Fax: 034 366 1425
Email: osizweni.ccj@gmail.com
Most common cases: Domestic violence and legal advice
Communities served: Osizweni Township, Inverness Farm, Nine Mile, Ubuhle Bomzinyathi, Dicks, Manzana, Lekkerwater, Grootgeluk, Mndozo, Jakkalspruit, Fairview, Blaawbosch, Ntendeka, Mbabane and Waterval.
Description: Approximately 25 kilometres outside Newcastle, the Osizweni office (below) is at the police station in a township surrounded by communities under traditional leadership. 
In 2011, the office dealt with 595 cases, with legal advice (254) and domestic violence (219) being the most common.
Sibongile Masondo
How long have you worked for the CCJ?
Since 2002.
“I would tell children to stick with their education so that you can be independent. Most abused people are dependent on the abuser." |
What led you to work for CCJ?
I love to work for the community.
What are the most common cases that you deal with?
They are domestic violence.
How do you try to deal with those cases?
For most of them we use mediation, and most mediations are successful. Sometimes we use protection orders, if the client wants to. We always give them the choice.
Is there a law that you would like to change?
I would limit child support grant to married couples and not give it to single mothers. This is because they use the grant for themselves and have more children just to get it.
What role do traditional laws play in your work?
Some people do want to use traditional methods like compensation, but we refer them to the traditional courts.
Have the attitudes and behaviour of people in Osizweni changed in the time you have been here?
Yes – more people come to the support centre for help and to report their cases now.
What are the biggest challenges you face in your work?
It is transport, because sometimes we have to attend to cases immediately and can’t get there. I use combis (public taxis). Also we need to have a landline for outgoing calls.
What advice would you give children growing up in Osizweni?
I would tell them to stick with their education so that you can be independent. Most abused people are dependent on the abuser.
Who is your role model?
My role model is my mother, because she is strong and raised us on our own.