A beep that would spark a change to ending rape in South Africa

Based on statistics, South Africa is seen as the world’s rape capital.

In February 2013, J-P Nobrega was sitting in traffic on his way to work. It was an ordinary day, the same old queue of cars steadily pacing the highway. Listening to his daily dose of the Breakfast Show with Darren Simpson on what was then known as 94.7 Highveld Stereo, J-P noticed something unusual, something was different today.

Every few minutes – four to be exact – a beep would echo over the air, interrupting their daily broadcast. He soon learnt that the beep symbolised every time someone was raped in the country, a rape campaign which was being broadcast in conjunction with LEAD SA. It was a hard hitting realisation. For many it was frightening, but would remain just a momentary realisation.

For J-P, it was the planting of a very important seed that would grow and be nurtured into something far greater. He had had enough. Switching off the radio, J-P went to bed that night with a black cloud hanging over his head.

He knew something had to be done.

After much deliberation, and research – which led to the discovery of issues far broader than the uncontrollable rise in rape statistics – he decided to leave his cushy job as an accountant, sold all of his valuable possessions and started RADA, a non-profit organisation.

The former Chief Financial Officer of an energy company, J-P now eats and breaths RADA alongside his personal tax practice.

He says, “I heard the campaign and was mortified about the situation. I grew extremely emotional about it, had a lengthy discussion with Jacqueline Gilbert (now the MD of RADA) and shortly thereafter bonded the house and started RADA – May 2013 to be exact and now I eat and breath RADA. I juggle time between my practice and RADA work.”

RADA is an acronym for rape, alcohol, drug and abuse and aims to help our world become a better, healthier and safer place through various community projects. By taking positive, meaningful and effective action, RADA aims to combat these addictions and atrocities by building comprehensive renewal centres starting in South Africa and thereafter, abroad.

Some incredibly sobering South African statistics…

RAPE:

South Africa awarded rape capital of the world – Interpol.
One in 36 rape cases are reported.
More than 25% of South African men have raped. 50% said they have raped more than one person.
500,000 rapes are committed annually in South Africa.
For every 25 men accused, only one is convicted of the crime.

ALCOHOL ABUSE:

Alcohol affects 17.5 million South Africans.
Over 30% of our population have an alcohol problem.
School kids who use alcohol/drugs are three times more involved with violent crime.
18-22 year olds are the group of heaviest alcohol abuse.
Alcohol abuse plays a major role in the increased levels of murder and violence.

DRUG ABUSE:

Drug related crimes saw a 13.5% increase in 2012/13.
Drug consumption in South Africa is twice the world norm.
15% of our population has a drug problem.
Drug abuse is costing South Africa R20 billion per annum.
60% of crimes nationally are related to substance abuse.
Average age of drug dependency is 12 years.

RADA adopts a holistic approach to renewal – using proactive education programmes to develop skills, behaviours and attitudes which shall lead to improved self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills and responsible decision-making, including reactive healing processes in caring for people who face adversity.

The RADA approach to renewal is based on the premise that people need to understand that they are entirely responsible for and accountable to themselves. RADA helps people recognise that they have the power and energy within themselves to get back onto the road to recovery and ultimately lead a fulfilled life.

At the core of RADA’s healing process is the principle that a healthy regard for the value of life is directly related to the degree of functionality of the life that person leads. If – for whatever reason – the value of life is lost to a person, that life will be dysfunctional.

The healing process begins with a safe environment that is nurturing and supportive. RADA’s psychologists, social workers, therapists and caregivers work closely with each person’s own unique set of circumstances – political, historical, circumstantial – to locate their own source of strength and regain a healthy functional life.

For more information, visit their website.

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