· South Africa's transformation to a sustainable democracy is vitally important to this country, the continent and the world. The success of the transformation process to date has been nothing short of remarkable. USAID supports several transformation efforts in South Africa, including education, health, housing, job creation and democratic governance.

· I'm here to talk about the Justice Sector in which major strides have been made already. Access to judicial services has been expanded for the majority population who had previously been denied these basic privileges of a democratic state.

· And yet, much work remains to be done. The rate of violent crime in this country is alarmingly high and poses a serious threat to the consolidation of this young democracy. Fighting crime is not the job of government alone. It is appropriate for government and business to improve the justice system together, since crime may deter international investment and threaten the economic growth needed so urgently for sustainable transformation.

· I am proud to report that my government is firmly behind South African-led efforts to fight crime. Support for the Department of Justice's Criminal Justice Strengthening Program involves more than $16 million from USAID in funding and technical assistance. Of this amount, nearly $5.5 million will be spent specifically on the joint project with BAC being launched today. Across six years, we will be helping the South African government respond more effectively to crime, while giving victims of crime greater access to equitable justice services.

· Our three-way partnership aims to address the following areas: improving court services, training justice sector officials, supporting innovative crime

· prevention and victim support services, and improving prosecutor-led investigations.

· This USAID-supported program is part of an even larger US government initiative. Other departments are also assisting South African law enforcement agencies, fostering cooperation in the fight against terrorism, organized crime and corruption. These crimes know no borders. The US is helping the South African government strengthen all aspects of its judicial system. Together, we can narrow the vulnerability to crime and respond swiftly and forcefully when crime occurs.

· All South Africans have a role to play in the fight against crime. We are encouraged that citizens are indeed responding creatively. From teachers who are helping to inculcate a human rights culture in schools, to community groups that are forming partnerships with local police for crime prevention, there are increasing examples of effective partnerships between citizens and government to combat this common threat.

· I am particularly impressed with the robust response of the business community. BAC has lent its time and expertise to tackling this problem that affects all segments of South African society.

· We are pleased to join forces with the Department of Justice and the BAC to create a synergistic and strategic partnership. USAID resources are being channeled toward the concerted and comprehensive effort of improving the South African Justice system.

· Thank you.