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06 May 2025 | Story Leonie Bolleurs | Photo Supplied
Tembisa Leeuw
Dr Tembisa Leeuw – awarded her PhD at the UFS – focused her research on protecting the rights of children in conflict with the law and bridging the gap between policy and practice in child and youth care centres.

When Dr Tembisa Leeuw was in Grade 9, four of her classmates were convicted of serious offences, including assault with intent to cause harm and murder. This incident sparked a deep curiosity about the juvenile justice system and how it treats young offenders. She found herself asking difficult questions: Were her peers detained separately from adults? Were they placed in facilities designed specifically for children?

Despite the crimes her classmates committed, Dr Leeuw believed they still needed care and protection. The experience led her to reflect on society’s responsibilities towards young offenders, the difficulties they face in the justice system, and whether the laws meant to protect them are being properly applied. “This formative experience instilled in me a commitment to advocate for the rights of vulnerable children and to ensure that the juvenile justice system upholds principles of care, protection, and rehabilitation,” she says.

Now a human rights officer at the South African Human Rights Commission based in Mpumalanga, Dr Leeuw was recently awarded a Doctor of Philosophy degree at the University of the Free State’s (UFS) autumn graduation ceremony. Her dissertation is titled Protecting the rights of children in conflict with the law in South Africa: The law versus the practice.

Her supervisor, Prof John Mubangizi – Research Professor in the Free State Centre for Human Rights – said it was an absolute privilege to supervise such a brilliant, dedicated, and hard-working student. “Her intellectual curiosity, resolute determination, and unwavering commitment to excellence have been quite inspiring. I have no doubt that she will continue to make a profound impact wherever she goes and whatever she does henceforth.”


Safeguarding the rights and well-being of children

It is well known that a large share of crimes, particularly violent ones, are committed by young people. In South Africa, children are frequently charged with serious offences, such as robbery, rape, assault, and murder. These realities highlight the need for stronger systems that protect the rights and well-being of young people in conflict with the law.

In her research, Dr Leeuw looked at why children in child and youth care centres often face human rights violations, despite the Constitution guaranteeing every child the right to be safe from harm, neglect, and abuse. 

Her findings revealed troubling gaps between what the law says and what happens in practice. According to Dr Leeuw, the Constitution states that children should only be detained as a last resort and for the shortest time possible. UNICEF also emphasises that children must be kept separate from adults in detention and treated in ways that reflect their age and developmental needs, including their right to education. “However, no country has yet built a fully separate juvenile justice system that ensures that children are treated differently from adults,” she says.

Dr Leeuw also found that children in these facilities are often denied access to education. As a result, when they return to their communities, they are often without the skills or qualifications needed to find work. “It is important that these children receive training that enables them to support themselves,” she explains.


Contributing to a humane and equitable society

Dr Leeuw believes that protecting the rights of children in conflict with the law is important to creating a more just and humane society. “Research shows worrying conditions in child and youth care centres (CYCCs) – overcrowding, poor health care, limited education. Many children report violence, intimidation, and neglect, all of which go against the idea of rehabilitation,” she says.

These environments can deepen trauma and increase the chances of reoffending. “The conditions inside detention centres have a serious impact on children's ability to rehabilitate and move forward in life.”

South Africa has made progress in drafting laws to protect children’s rights, but putting those laws into action is still a challenge. “With the right changes and a more caring approach, the justice system can better meet the needs of children,” Dr Leeuw says. She points to several areas where improvements could be made to help policy makers and human rights workers reform juvenile justice.

She notes that although international agreements promote rehabilitation and support, many CYCCs still focus on punishment. “Children often feel abandoned in these spaces. We need to move away from punitive systems and create pathways for healing and reintegration.”

Government departments, such as social development, education, and health, must work together to provide support that meets children's full range of needs. “Current laws must be updated to meet international standards, and programmes are needed to help guide children away from the justice system in the first place,” she adds.

Dr Leeuw also highlights the key role played by child and youth care workers (CYCWs). Their training and regular oversight are important in making sure children’s rights are respected. “Regular monitoring and open reporting are needed to hold facilities accountable,” she says.

She further stresses the need for greater access to mental health support, education, and skills development. This would help children return to school and integrate into society more easily. She also recommends maintaining strong family ties during rehabilitation, including virtual visits for families who live far away. Addressing overcrowding and offering different forms of intervention can also improve care and reduce reoffending.

“Teaching children about their rights and helping them develop a sense of responsibility is just as important. Programmes that promote personal growth and rehabilitation should be part of their daily lives,” she says.


Aligning with international human rights standards

Dr Leeuw’s study closely aligns with international human rights guidelines on juvenile justice. These include the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) and other global frameworks that call for dignity, fairness, and restorative justice in how children are treated. Her work highlights the need to address the root causes of children's behaviour and calls for tailored responses, such as alternatives to incarceration, fair sentencing, and stronger legal protection.

The study also highlights the importance of prevention. Involving communities, improving access to education, and introducing early support systems can help reduce the number of children who come into contact with the justice system. She believes that juvenile justice systems must ultimately uphold the dignity and fair treatment of children, as outlined in both international frameworks and the South African Constitution.

News Archive

Degrees and diplomas are awarded
2009-09-01



The Spring Graduation Ceremony of the University of the Free State (UFS) took place in the Arena of the South Campus in Bloemfontein this week. Altogether 832 degrees and diplomas, 34 doctoral degrees, two honorary doctorates and a Councillor’s Medal were conferred.

 

 

All smiles. Three students who received the Advanced Diploma in Disaster Management at the spring graduation ceremony of the University of the Free State, are from the left: Oboneng Cynthia Tshitannye from Vryburg, Ramapulana Nkoana from Tzaneen and Sindisiwe Myide from Pietermaritzburg. The ceremony took place on the South Campus of the university.
Photo: Leatitia Pienaar

 
 

Diploma ontvang. Sowat duisend studente het in September op die Universiteit van die Vrystaat se lente-gradeplegtigheid grade of diplomas ontvang. Hier is Adri Lourens (links) van Medi-Clinic Bloemfontein wat die Gevorderde Universiteitsdiploma in Gemeenskapsverpleegkunde ontvang het, by haar ma, mev. Helen Lourens, ook van Bloemfontein.
Foto: Leatitia Pienaar

 

Thursday, 17 September 2009

Degrees in die Faculties of the Humanities, Health Sciences, Education, Law and Theology 

 

Three students obtained their PhD degrees in Higher Education Studies. They are, from the left: Dr Liezel Massyn, Dr Andile Dandala and Dr Mpho Moagi-Jama. Dr Massyn, Teaching and Learning Manager in the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences, completed her thesis titled “A framework for learning design in different modes of delivery in an adult learning programme”. Prof. Annette Wilkinson is her promoter and Dr Rika van Schoor is her co-promoter. Dr Dandala, Director: Quality Assurance at the Walter Sisulu University completed his thesis on “The challenges of designing a new programme and qualification (PQM) mix for a comprehensive university in South Africa”. His promoter is Prof. Johnny Hay and the co-promoter is Dr Louis van der Westuizen. Dr Moagi-Jama, a lecturer in the Faculty of Health Sciences completed her thesis on “Designing an academic support and development programme to combat attrition among non-traditional undergraduates”. Her promoter is Prof. Mabokang Monnapula-Mapesela and the co-promoter is Dr Adri Beylefeld.
Photo: Leonie Bolleurs

 

UFS awards degrees in health sciences

This week the University of the Free State (UFS) held its spring graduation ceremony on the  South Campus in Bloemfontein. At this occasion George Visser received his M.Med. (Anes), Wilandi Jacobs received her M.Med. (Surgery) and Deon Menge received his M.Med. (Surgery) in the Faculty of Health Sciences.
Photo: Leonie Bolleurs

 

Megan Murphy (left) and Danielle Rose received their B.Soc.Sc. qualifications in the Faculty of the Humanities.
Photo: Leonie Bolleurs

 

Dumisane Nxumalo received his Master’s Degree in Labour Law in the Faculty of Law.
Photo: Leonie Bolleurs

 

Former Kovsies see their daughter graduate
Mr Danie Botha and his wife Alta today attended their daughter, Marali’s graduation ceremony. Marali received her B.Ed. qualification in the Faculty of the Education at the University of the Free State (UFS). Mr and Mrs Botha are alumni of the university.
Photo: Leonie Bolleurs

 

Spring graduation ceremony held at the UFS

At this year’s spring graduation ceremony of the University of the Free State (UFS) that was held on the South Campus, Cordelia de Waal received her B.Soc.Sc. Honours degree and Danie de Klerk received his B.A. degree in Language Studies and English. Both these qualifications are presented in the Faculty of the Humanities.
Photo: Leonie Bolleurs

 

Youngest Ph.D. in education awarded at the UFS

Dr Nalize Marais (second from the left), Senior Officer at the University of the Free State's (UFS) Centre for Higher Education Studies and Development (CHESD), today became the youngest student in the history of the university to receive a Ph.D. in education. Her she is with Dr John Bowes (left), Deputy Principal at Bedelia Primary in Welkom, Prof. Rita Niemann, Associate Professor in the Department of Comparative Education and Education Management and promoter of the three students, and Dr Ben Oosthuyse, teacher at Voortrekker High School in Bethlehem. Dr Marais submitted her thesis at the age of 27. All three students received a Ph.D. in Education Management.
Photo: Leonie Bolleurs

Wednesday, 16 September 2009

Degrees in die Faculties of Natural and Agricultural Sciences and Economic and Management Sciences were awarded.

 
Two honorary doctorates and one Council Medal were awarded during the Chancellor’s Dinner. Prof. Johan Grobbelaar, Senior Professor in the Department Plant Sciences received the Councillor’s Medal for dedicated service to the UFS for more than 40 years, Judge Louis Harms received the degree Doctor Legum (Honoris Causa) and the degree Philosophiae Doctor (Honoris Causa) was conferred upon Mr Johan Loock. At the Chancellor’s Dinner were, from the left: Prof. Grobbelaar, Dr Franklin Sonn, Chancellor if the UFS, Judge Harms, Judge Faan Hancke, Chairperson of the UFS Council and Mr Loock.
Foto: Stephen Collett
 
The degree B.Com. Economics was awarded to Heinrich Brüssow, Springbok and Cheetah rugby player and former Shimla player. Here is Heinrich with Prof. Jonathan Jansen, Rector and Vice-Chancellor – one of his biggest supporters.
Photo: Lacea Loader
 
Prof. Helena van Zyl, Director of the UFS School for Business (in the front in the red gown) together with the group of MBA students who graduated.
Photo: Lacea Loader
 
Azar Debbo (right) received the degree B.Sc. Genetics. With him is his brother Alec, who received the degree B.A. in Drama and Theatre Arts from the UFS in 2007, and their father Al Debbo, comedian, actor and singer.
Photo: Lacea Loader
 
From the left is: Matseliso Phafoli, who received an B.Com.Hons. in Economics, Kenekwe Moumo, who received the degree B.Com.Hons. in Financial Economics and Managerial Accounting, and Teboho Maichu, who also received a B.Com.Hons. degree in Financial Economics and Investment Management.
Photo: Lacea Loader
 
The degree B.Com.Hons. in Psychological Equivalence was awarded to Robynne Sudbury and Siyabonga Nyembe received received a B.Sc. degree in Biochemistry.
Photo: Lacea Loader

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