Dr Matthew Cronje is a postgraduate supervisor and lecturer in Advanced Victimology (CRIM6834) and Research Methodology (CRIM3714) at the Department of Criminology, University of the Free State. He holds a doctoral degree in Criminology specialising in understanding recidivism in South Africa. He has participated in the World Society of Victimology (WSV), Postgraduate Course, since the beginning of its African leg in 2009 and has since then also presented at the WSV symposiums in South Africa, Croatia, Australia the Netherlands and Hong Kong as well as the National Gang Crimes Research Centre conference in Chicago. He has been a guest lecturer at Monash South Africa, The University of KwaZulu-Natal, Illinois State University, Arcadia University (Philadelphia) and San Francisco State University on the topics of uBuntu, research ethics, victim impact statements, criminal justice systems and recidivism. He also works as a research consultant, developing and conducting research projects with the South African National Council for Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (SANCA) as well as the South African Department of Social Development (DSD) aimed at intervention assessment as well as policy and legislation development.
Cronje, M. & Peacock, R. (2015). Exploring the Nature of the Relationship Between Self-Esteem and Offence Type of a Group of Recidivists. Acta Criminologica, Special Edition, 2: 79-93.
Cronje, M. & Peacock, R. (2017). An Assessment of the Self-Esteem of a group of Recidivists with Specific Reference to the Correctional Environment. Acta Criminologica, Special Edition, 30(4): 109-123.
James, C. & Cronje, M. (2019). Evaluating Victim Impact Statements: Application and Challenges. In R. Peacock (Ed.), Victimology in Africa (Chapter 7). Pretoria: Van Schaik.
Conference and Workshop Presentations:
Cronje, M. (2019). A Qualitative Exploration of General Repeat Offending Behaviour in South Africa. Paper accepted to be presented at the CRIMSA International Biennial Conference. Protea Hotel Ranch Resort, Polokwane: South Africa, 27-30 August.
Cronje, M. (2018). An Analysis of the Victimogenic Factors Associated with Recidivism. Paper presented at 16th International Symposium of the World Society of Victimology. City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong: China, 10-14 June.
Cronje, M. (2016). An Initial Exploration of Factors Associated with the South African Recidivist. Paper presented at National Institute for the Humanities and Social Sciences National Doctoral Conference. Birchwood Conference Centre, Johannesburg: South Africa, 2-3 November.
Cronje, M. (2016). uBuntu Philosophy in Action. Paper presented at 4th African Post Graduate Course of Victimology, Victim Assistance and Criminal Justice. University of the Free State, Free State: South Africa, 1-6 August.
Cronje, M. (2016). uBuntu Philosophy in Action: An African Perspective on Human Empowerment. Paper presented at XXXIIth Anniversary of the Post Graduate Course of Victimology, Victim Assistance and Criminal Justice. Inter University Centre, Dubrovnik: Croatia, 9-21 May.
Cronje, M. (2015). uBuntu Philosophy in Action: An African Perspective on Human Empowerment. Paper presented at 15th International Symposium of the World Society of Victimology. Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre, Perth: Australia, 5-9 July.
Cronje, M. (2014). The Meaning of uBuntu Theology to Victims of Crime and Abuse of Power: The South African Experience. Paper presented at XXXth Anniversary of the Post Graduate Course of Victimology, Victim Assistance and Criminal Justice. Inter University Centre, Dubrovnik: Croatia, 12-24 May.
Cronje, M. (2014). Emphasising the Need for an Integrated Approach to Intervention Programmes Offered to People in Conflict with the Law. Paper presented at ISS 5th International Conference: National and International Perspectives on Crime Reduction and Criminal Justice. Radisson Blu Gautrain Hotel, Johannesburg: South Africa, 14-15 August.
Cronje, M. (2012). The Manifestation of Perceived Victimhood of Right-Wing Afrikaners in Post-Apartheid South Africa. Paper presented at 14th Symposium of the World Society of Victimology. World Forum, The Hague: The Netherlands, 20-24 May.
Cronje, M. (2011). Right-Wing Movements in South Africa, with a Specific Focus on the Afrikaner Weerstandsbeweging (AWB). Paper presented at National Gang Crimes Research Centre 14th International Gang Specialist Training Programme. Chicago: USA, 8-10 August.
Cronje, M. (2011). A Victimological Exploration of the Denial of Responsibility and Guilt Neutralisation Techniques Employed by Right-Wing Afrikaners in Post-Apartheid South Africa. Paper presented at World Society of Victimology 3rd African Postgraduate Course in Victimology, Victim Assistance and Criminal Justice. Monash South Africa, Johannesburg: South Africa, 3-14 October.
Recidivism
Victimology
Criminal Behaviour
Criminal Justice System Processes
Offender Rehabilitation and Reintegration
Research Methodology for Criminology and Criminal Justice (CRIM3714)
Advanced Victimology (CRIM6834)
Department of Social Development - Research Consultant
South African National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (SANCA) - Research Consultant
Khulisa Social Solutions - Research Consultant
Department of Correctional Services Experiential Learning Programme