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Monday, February 1st, 2010

It is with great excitement that we can report that our first group of Forensic Science Analyst students are into their 2nd week of their studies at the UFS! The specialised DNA analysis equipment, kindly supplied on exceptionally favorable terms and conditions by Applied Biosystems and Qiagen/Southern Cross Biotechnology have now been installed and the Honours students have began their rigorous 1 year course, specialising in DNA Forensic Analysis.

Lecturer, Letecia Wessels with the QIACUBE

The official launch of the first ever Forensic Science Analyst Degree in SA has been set for 12 March 2010 in Bloemfontein at the UFS, and myself and Dr Hancock have been invited to attend this prestigious event together with representatives of Applied Biosystems and Qiagen/Southern Cross Biotechnology.

We are very proud that we have reached this point, as without the development of the course material by The DNA Project, as well as our commitment to fund a lecturer at UFS for the first year of the course and Qiagen and Applied Biosystems generous contributions of equipment and training, none of this would have been possible. (more…)

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DNA Awareness Training DVD Complete!

Monday, December 21st, 2009

As the year draws to a close, it is very exciting to share with you the fact that the DNA Awareness Training DVD has been completed. The final edit was a laborious process, but the time and effort spent on finalising it, was well worth the effort. It is a great way to end a very busy year and we shall now work on a comprehensive roll out strategy to ensure that the information on the DVD is disseminated as widely as possible so that people become aware of the value of preserving DNA evidence on a crime scene. We will be posting our strategy on line so that all interested parties are able to keep abreast of how to obtain copies of the DVD or receive DNA awareness training. (more…)

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DNA Profiling Publication issued by OSF-SA on behalf of The DNA Project

Wednesday, December 2nd, 2009

We are extremely excited to announce that The Open Society Foundation of South Africa, one of the DNA Project’s Donors, has sponsored A new Criminal Justice Initiative publication entitled “DNA: The 21st Century Detective”. The publication was written by Directors’ of the DNA Project, Vanessa Lynch and Carolyn Hancock and explores the use of DNA Profiling for criminal intelligence purposes as well as the issue of DNA Profiling in South Africa and the value that it holds for use in our criminal justice system. For a pdf version of this publication go to http://www.osf.org.za/home/ and click on the link on the home page to obtain a copy of the publication.

DNA: THE 21ST CENTURY DETECTIVE

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An evening filled with passion!

Friday, November 6th, 2009

I am writing this blog en route back from JHB, where I attended the Change a Life Foundation Feedback Session last night. I was asked to present at a function hosted by the ever generous JSE and to provide feedback to the benefactors of the Change a Life Foundation as to what The DNAPROJECT has done with the funds it received from the Foundation during the course of 2008/09. The Change a Life Foundation has 3 beneficiaries, one of which is the DNA Project, and they have introduced a 4th this year. I was very humbled to be part of such an amazing group of people. Please, take some time to read about Martin Dreyer’s incredible Change a Life Paddling Academy in KZN, Carole Podetti’s unbelievable passion in transforming young offenders’ lives who have Chosen to Change their Lives and Phillip Stoneman’s critical work in providing proper trauma counseling and care for rape victims at the iThemba Centre. These people are Changing peoples lives in SA on a daily basis.

Directors of the DNA Project, Vanessa Lynch & Allan Thomson with CEO of JSE, Russell Loubser

Directors of the DNA Project, Vanessa Lynch & Allan Thomson with CEO of the JSE, Russell Loubser

It is difficult to describe the palpable energy that always emanates from this band of people who are involved with the Change a Life Foundation – from the organisers, to the riders, to the support team, to the beneficiaries. It is without doubt thanks to the vision of CEO of Computershare, Stan Lorge, who started the Foundation , who insists that the beneficiaries of the Foundation must be driven by the people who founded each project, and that the Founders have to stay involved in the project in order for it to be supported. In this way, Stan knows that each project will be motivated by the passion with which it was started in the first place.

The Change a Life Cycle Race , which raises the funds to support each project, is an incredible annual event which not only brings people together on such a dynamic level, but the people who ride in this event are continuously drawn into the projects which they support. It honestly feels like a big family when we are all together, and it is this collective energy, which I believe makes the Change a Life Foundation such a unique success story. You want to be part of this group of people and you want to be part of the Change that they are making in this country.

I presented the DNA Project’s achievements for 2009 as well as what we intend to do in 2010. This was followed by a short clip of the Training DVD which we are currently finalising. To end the presentation, I showed the audience the VUKA! Commercial –‘Leaving Something Behind’ - which was produced and donated to The DNAPROJECT by the media industry in the Cape Town & The Change a Life Foundation. I gave little warning to the audience of what they were about to see, suffice to say that I told everyone that it was a ‘very powerful’ piece. The lights were dimmed, and the commercial was played at full volume on a movie size screen. For those of you who have seen the commercial on your computer screen, the impact is a thousand fold when seen on a big screen. I literally felt everyone draw breath as the opening scene began, and when it ended you could have heard a pin drop – people were visibly moved and as hard hitting as that commercial is, it highlighted what we live with in SA and how we need to be reminded every now and again that crime is not OK.

Stan Lorge, Ursula du Plooy with Carol, Martin Dreyer & Vanessa Lynch

Stan Lorge, Ursula du Plooy with Carole Podetti, Martin Dreyer & Vanessa Lynch

So, the evening drew to a close together with this years cycle race, but I felt that everyone could not wait for next years cycle race in Malawi to begin and to meet back again next year to reflect on what we, together, have done to Change not one, but many lives in SA.

“When we dream alone it is only a dream, but when many dream together it is the beginning of a new reality.” Friedensreich Hundertwasser

Vanessa

My biggest ally, my mother, as always in support of the work we do!

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First day in Parliament: the DNA Bill

Tuesday, October 6th, 2009

I am sitting in Room G26 in the National Assembly Building in Parliament whilst I am writing this entry. The Portfolio Committee on Police (PCP) is in front of me and they are the new “kids on the block” who have been tasked with being responsible for reviewing and hopefully, passing, the DNA Bill – their Chairperson is Mrs Lydia Sindisiwe Chikunga (who introduces herself to us as “Sindi” and points out that she is a South African, albeit she has been told that she has a Malawian surname!).

Today’s presentation to the PCP was given by the Parliamentary Research Committee, namely Ms Sueanne Isaac, Ms Patricia Whittle and Mr Mpisi.

Ms Whittle started off proceedings with a summary of the Bill, highlighting various issues which the PCP should consider during this review process. She basically went through some of the issues raised in the last review process as well as highlighted some new issues which they should consider. Unfortunately she continued to confuse the difference between a DNA sample and a DNA profile, and failed to mention that the previous Portfolio Committee had already agreed with the Police that the sample will be destroyed once a suitable profile had been obtained from the sample.

Ms Isaac followed with her presentation and focused on the issues raised by Ms Whittle and provided a brief overview of DNA Databases and the way they are managed in the UK and USA. Some of her stats were inaccurate and outdated, but on the whole she tried to cover most bases, namely: the constitutional issues which will be raised by the Bill, the implementation of the Bill and the cost implications of implementing the Bill.

Mr Mpisi ended off the presentation by the Research Committee and highlighted the importance of the Bill in the country’s fight against crime. He spoke about the fact that the Bill seeks to enhance the investigative capacity of police to fight crime and the usefulness of DNA not only in its ability to exonerate the innocent but for prosecuting the guilty. Moreover, he highlighted the fact that the larger the DNA Database in SA, the higher the probability of catching criminals, and ultimately that it will provide crime deterrence.

Mr Mpisi then looked at the storage of samples, misuse of DNA and the location of Crime Labs in SA. He spoke about the importance of looking at utilising private labs to enhance the capacity of the State Labs. Well done Mr Mpisi for raising such a salient point! Not only that but he spoke about the issue of DNA Awareness Training (the PCP needs to know about our DNA Awareness Training DVD!)

The Secretary of the Previous Ad Hoc Portfolio Committee then presented the findings of the last Committee and the concerns raised by that Committee. He highlighted the fact that time constraints prevented the previous Committee from completing their work. He stressed that more time should be given to public commentary as there were serious legal and ethical considerations that had been raised and needed to be considered in this Bill.

The Chairperson then ended the session by stating that she wants to finalise this Bill during this Parliamentary session. She invited clarity seeking questions as it is a very technical Bill. Questions and comments by the PCP included:

1. Why five years for retention – what is the significance of 5 years? what is the issue of privacy – what rights are going to be invaded?

2. This Bill presents three areas of concern – (1) security of the information; (2) capacity of the police and (3) the cost that will go with implementing the Bill.

3. This Bill must be opened to the public to debate on the issues of rights of privacy.

4. Previous experience with Police: when asked if they have money to implement an Act which will affect them and whether they have the capacity – and they say Yes: but they have been wrong. So – how do we ensure that this Bill will be properly budgeted. So we have to establish: do they have the capacity? do they have the money?

5. Issue of the Constitutionality of the Bill raised.

6. Why is the Police Committee dealing with the Bill and not Justice because there are so many issues of Constitutionality.

7. Will the Police have the Capacity to implement the Bill? And what is the rush to pass this Bill?

8. How is the DNA taken from people?

9. High rate of turnover of staff at the State Forensic Labs – have you established why? Is there a high turnover rate of staff in overseas State Labs?

10. Do other countries use both private and state labs to process DNA?

11. Concerns about allowing ‘any’ police being able to take a DNA sample – it is too open for corruption.

12. Are the challenges facing first world countries using DNA for crime detection the same as in developing countries?

13. Does the Human Tissue Act apply to this Act? Is it applicable?

The final words of the Chairperson: there is pressure to finalise this Bill, so yes, it must be finalised.

What struck me most today is the omission of what should have been done first and foremost: quite simply a brief presentation by a Forensic Scientist from the State Forensic Lab explaining to this Committee what DNA profiling is in a criminal context and how it is used in a National DNA Database for crime prevention, detection and deterrence. Without this basic knowledge, it makes it very difficult for this Committee to consider such a technical Bill without the basic understanding of the processes and science behind this Bill….

Tomorrow the PCP will hear from the State Forensic Lab how it aims to implement the Bill. Watch this space for details of their presentation.

Yours from Parliament,

Vanessa.

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Changing lives in Bloemfontein!

Tuesday, September 15th, 2009

I am writing this blog en route from Bloemfontein – ‘why Bloemfontein?’ you may ask. Why indeed! In the last 24 hours I have visited the Free State University, been part of the most dynamic group of people who are literally changing peoples lives in SA and twisted the ear off a Member of Parliament who assures me that our DNA Bill will be passed by March 2010!

My first stop after arriving in ‘Bloem’ at lunchtime yesterday was the Free State University, where the first Forensic Honours Degree will be launched in 2010. Myself and my co-director, Dr Carolyn Hancock, met with the Head of the Genetics Dept. as well as the Dean. Not only do they have the vision of where the future of DNA Forensic lies in this country, but they have the

Students at work at the UFS Genetics Dept.

passion with which to do it. The Dean asked not only what they can do to provide the first set of students with all that they need to become the first and best group of students to obtain this Honours degree, but more importantly, what can they do to ensure that one day they have an entire building that hosts a variety of forensic specialities which will become the centre of excellence in SA for this type of training. This is one of the many reasons we support the UFS in their bid to host this degree – their passion, their commitment and their vision. The DNA Project’s efforts to ensure that the placement of millions of rands worth of forensic analyst equipment will be installed at the first institution offering this degree, for use by the students next year, will accordingly be extended to the UFS. The DNA Project will also assist with funding a lecturer position at the UFS for one year to ensure the maximum intake of students . The course material the DNA Project have funded will be given at no charge to the UFS (and any other institution wishing to offer this degree), for use in their Honours course and the P.U.B. (see www.pub.org.za - a division of the Dept. of Science & Technology) have offered to launch this new and exciting degree next year. Applications for entry into this degree close on the 9 October, so if this is something you have always wanted to do, now is your chance — but be warned, they are only taking the top students, as already the course is over-scribed…[email Prof. Spies for further details SpiesJJ.SCI@ufs.ac.za ]

CEO of Computershare, Stan Lorge, thanking the Change a Life Cycle support team

Carolyn and myself left the UFS feeling buoyant. All the hard work that has been put into developing this degree and all the trust put into us by our sponsors, has been converted into a tangible reality. We will be seeing the first specialist forensic analysts graduating at the end of 2010, and we know, that this is only the beginning…
From the UFS we headed off to welcome back the cyclists who had just completed the 2009 Change a Life Cycle “Mystery Tour”. This group of cyclists, led by its one in a million, tour director, Ursula du Plooy arrived en masse with all their support staff, and of course, the most humble of men, Computershare CEO, Stan Lorge. Stan calls himself the ‘hanger on’. But in fact the truth is that this man is the hope to which we all hang! Stan, together with Ursula, have succeeded in changing the lives of so many through their commitment to the Change a Life Trust, which makes my passion to the DNA Project look feeble. The camaraderie that was apparent at the Gala Dinner held last night was palpable; the energy was extreme. Coupled with an extravaganza of an evening, hosted by Southern Sun, which had the likes of PJ Powers lighting up the stage with old classics such as Shosholoza, and Barry Hilton cracking up the audience, it was an honour and privilege to be part of such an exceptional group of people. At dinner, I sat next to Paul Conn who is the president of the Computershare Global Capital Markets Group, and is based in New York. Paul had just ridden the cycle race. It was his first time visit to SA, and despite his extensive travels throughout the world, he was delighted to be in Bloemfontein and part of this tour. His generosity to the Change a Life Trust has been extraordinary, and to boot, he purchased the 11 remaining raffle tickets on the night, at R500 a piece without a second thought. Paul kindly offered me one of those raffle tickets to gain free entry into the Cycle Race next year, which sadly I didn’t win! I will have to start looking for a willing sponsor, so that next year, I too can take part in the race and not just welcome the brave home!

Stan Lorge & Ursula du Plooy with Miss SA, Tatum Keshwar at the Change a Life Gala Dinner held in Bloemfontein last night

I think the words of Russell Loubser, CEO of JSE were particularly moving — he struck a cord deep within us all and reminded us all to stay close to the reason we all partake in one way or another in the Change a Life Cycle race — he challenged us all to make this an event that will last for another 20 years and that we all stay committed to the reason that we want to be a part of this life changing annual event. From my side, my gratitude towards the sponsors of this race is difficult to put into words. The support the DNA Project receives from the Change a Life Trust is overwhelming. We take this responsibility very seriously and hope that all the cyclists and their support team recognise that the DNA Project’s objectives are being achieved as a result of every turn of the wheel they generate.

Vanessa Lynch, PJ Powers & Carolyn Hancock at the Change a Life Cycle Gala Dinner

Looking back to this time last year, we have managed to assist with the draftimg of new DNA legislation, have it introduced into Parliament where it is currently being reviewed, produce a DNA awareness training DVD to educate first on crime scene responding officers, security guards and paramedics on how to preserve and contain critical DNA evidence and develop the course material for the first in Africa, let alone SA, Forensic Honours Degree. Next year, we not only hope to have the legislation in place, but would like to see it being implemented and to be able to stand in front of all of you and show you the profiles of the first convicted offenders’ dna profiles on the National DNA Database…

To end off my whirlwind 24 hours in Bloemfontein, I sat down in the aeroplane to return to Cape Town this morning, and happened to be sitting next to Portfolio Committee Chairperson, Ms Maggie Sotyu! Ms Sotyu was the Chair of the previous ad hoc Portfolio Committee tasked with reviewing the DNA Bill in the first quarter of 2009. That ad hoc Committee has now been replaced by a new Committee following the April 2009 elections and newly elected MP’s, but I succeeded in twisting Ms Sotyu’s ear for the better part of the flight and the good news is that she is confident that the DNA Bill has been given priority and she sees it being finalised between now and the close of Parliament in March 2010. More importantly, the issues that were raised n the last review process, she feels have been for the most part addressed and she believes that the next review will not be as complicated as the last. I take this chance meeting as a good sign and an indication that whilst we still have a huge amount of work to do, we have in fact come quite far together in our race — which is the race against crime in SA. If the passion I witnessed last night, continues to burn, I know that together, we can do this and take back from the small minority in this country, what is rightfully ours — our right to feel free & safe in our own country.

The safety belt lights have come on, and we are ready to land. Cape Town may be the Mother City, but Bloemfontein is where it’s at!
Vanessa.

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Change a Life 2009 Cycle Tour Launched

Wednesday, September 9th, 2009

The Mike Thomson Change a Life Trust launched its 2009 “Mystery Cycle” Tour in Johannesburg last week. Directors of the The DNA Project, Vanessa Lynch, Carolyn Hancock and Allan Thomson were there to show the cyclists who support the event, what the DNA Project has been up to since the last cycle tour in 2009.

Dr Carolyn Hancock being interviewed by Super Sport 1

The evening was a glittering event and a roaring success! 145 cyclists, sponsors, sporting greats and guests gathered at Tracker Headquarters in Darrenwood, JHB to enjoy the unique camaraderie that has become the hallmark of the Change a Life Cycle Challenge.

Guests were treated to a model show and the first glimpse of this year’s cycle kit. IML’s silent auction had entrants bidding for Rovos Rail luxury suites – raising more funds for the Mike Thomson Change a Life Trust, which is one of the DNA Project’s biggest supporters.

The Cycle Tour begins tomorrow and will end at a mystery destination on Monday, 15th September 2009.

: The DNA Project Display Stand at the Change a Life Cycle Tour launch in JHB

: Gerald de Kock of Super Sport raises the stakes at the launch of the Change a Life Cycle race

: Stan Lorge, CEO of Computershare thanks the cyclists for their support of the Change a Life Trust

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Vanessa Lynch to present at SAWISE, Thurs 6th Aug ’09

Saturday, August 1st, 2009

National Women’s Day is just around the corner and National Science Week takes place until Saturday at the MTN Sciencentre. To celebrate, SA Wise, the Association of South African Women in Science and Engineering, are hosting a special event on Thursday 6th August at the MTN Sciencentre for professional women where Vanessa Lynch will be speaking about the DNA project. Anyone interested in attending can send an e-mail to sawise@uct.ac.za

”A Celebration of Women in Science, Engineering and Technology
6th August 2009, MTN Science Centre, Canal Walk – 13h30

National Science Week is an initiative of the Department of Science and Technology and utilises science-based activities to create awareness about the important role that science plays in people’s lives whilst having fun at the same time.
The Association of South African Women in Science and Engineering (SA WISE) is a dynamic association for all those who support the idea of strengthening the role of women in science and engineering in South Africa – www.sawise.org.za

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Media Round Table – Science against Crime

Sunday, March 22nd, 2009

The Public Understanding of Biotechnology programme (PUB) of the South African Agency for Science and Technology Advancement (SAASTA) takes pleasure in inviting you to attend a Media Round Table (MRT) to debate the topic of DNA fingerprinting in forensics.

The DNA fingerprinting in forensics MRT will take place on Wednesday, the 25th of March 2009 and will be held at the Melrose Arch Hotel in Johannesburg

Experts who will be presenting include:
Dr Carolyn Hancock: Behind the Scenes of Forensic DNA Profiling
Carolyn has a PhD in Genetics and has been involved in numerous research projects. She is now Director of the non-profit organization, The DNA Project which aims to facilitate the expansion of the South African Criminal Intelligence DNA Database.

Dr María D’Amato: University of the Western Cape’s Developments in DNA fingerprinting
Maria is Research Manager in the Forensic DNA Lab in the Department of Biotechnology at the University of the Western Cape, conducting research into the development of human DNA identification systems.

Vanessa Lynch: The New DNA Bill: Why we need this Crucial Legislation in SA
Vanessa is a qualified attorney and Executive Director and founder of the DNA Project. The DNA Project is working with the Office of the Criminal Justice Review Team with respect to supporting the enactment of groundbreaking new DNA legislation in South Africa.

The MRT will be facilitated by Jeremy Maggs.

Media Round Table sessions aim to facilitate the process of introducing the media to scientific topics and ground breaking research which may have an impact on our every day life.

The DNA fingerprinting in forensics MRT will take place on Wednesday, the 25th of March 2009 and will be held at the Melrose Arch Hotel in Johannesburg. This event starts at 8.00am and will end at 1pm. Free parking will be available to participants of the event.

Venue: Melrose Arch Hotel, Johannesburg
Lunch: Refreshments and lunch will be served on the day. Please specify any special dietary requirements.

RSVP physical and virtual attendance: Masego Mokgoro at 012 392 9314 or masego@saasta.ac.za on or before Friday, the 20th of March.

The Department of Science and Technology (DST) funds the PUB programme which aims to ensure a clear, balanced understanding of the scientific principles, related issues and potential of biotechnology and to stimulate public debate around its applications in society. SAASTA, a business unit for the National Research Foundation, is the implementing agency.   SAASTA is a business unit of the National Research Foundation.

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DNA Project will present to Parliament

Wednesday, January 28th, 2009

The DNA Project has formally been invited to present an oral submission to the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Tuesday 3 February 2009 in respect of the new DNA Bill. The hearing will take place at Parliament in Cape Town, from 09h30. All interested parties are encouraged to attend.

____________________________________________________________________________________

Criminal Law (Forensic Procedures) Amendment Bill
Chairperson: Ms M M Sotyu, ANC MP
 021 403 3806 021 403 2808 076 1682230 * jmichaels@parliament.gov.za
PO BOX 15, CAPE TOWN, 8000

27 January 2009

DNA Project
Ms V Lynch

Re: Oral Submissions on the Criminal Law (Forensic Procedures) Amendment Bill

On behalf of Ms M M Sotyu I would like to inform you that the committee has afforded the DNA Project the opportunity to present an oral submission on the Criminal Law (Forensic Procedures) Amendment Bill [B 2 – 2009]. The hearings are scheduled for Tuesday, 3 February 2009, 09:30 at Parliament. You are requested to prepare a presentation of 20 minutes, which focus on the contents of the Bill.

Please forward a copy of your presentation to me by no later than Monday,
2 February 2009 to allow for distribution to all members. Please contact me if you require any technical equipment in making your presentation.

If you need additional information please contact Jeremy Michaels, at (021) 403 3806 or e-mail: jmichaels@parliament.gov.za.

Yours sincerely

…………………..
J Michaels

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