The Know Your Service Rights campaign was developed in 2007 on behalf
of the Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA). Its deliverables included a research paper; a database; and a 64-page publication. In 2008, we were tasked by the DPSA to complete the second phase of the Know Your Service Rights campaign. The first phase covered the Social Cluster of government, while the second phase covered the Justice Cluster, which includes the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development, the Department of Correctional Services and the South African Police Service.
ESST conducted an impact assessment in five provinces across South Africa to pre-test the publication. The material was pre-tested with 95 participants from various townships in less-developed provinces and a rural area in KZN. The average level of of participants’ education was Grade 10.
We found that participants were very concerned about crime in their communities and were most impressed by the fact that attempts were being made to empower people within the community. They were also very eager to learn how they could take responsibility for their own safety, well-being and rights and welcomed the chance to do so and to relay this information within their families and communities, regarding it as vital information.
The accessibility and user-friendliness of the publication were rated very highly.
