Government Gazette, Vol. 583, No. 52 Cape Town, 27 January 2014 No. 37268
It is hereby notified that the President has assented to the following Act, which is hereby published for general information:—
Act No. 37 of 2013: Criminal Law (Forensic Procedures) Amendment Act, 2013
I have waited so long to read those words, so when this notice popped up into my Inbox this morning, I quite literally froze! Ten years since we started the DNA Project, five years of pushing it through Parliament and then one day, the news quietly slips into my Inbox. No fanfare, no sound of champagne corks, no fireworks, just the barely inaudible ‘ping’ from my Inbox that I have new mail. Yet the impact of this news is groundbreaking, and as it slowly dawns on me that we are on the brink of changing the way in which we can now fight crime in this country and hold criminals accountable for their actions, it also dawns on me that it has been at great cost to all the lives that have been lost and damaged as a result of crime in South Africa. For all those victims of crime, this Act symbolises hope and most importantly another nail in the lid of what I hope will one day be the coffin of crime in our country.
Roll on the new DNA Act 37 of 2013!
The first official copy of the DNA Act in the Government Gazette
Thank you to everyone who has played such a significant role in fighting for this important law to be passed. The promulgation of this Act is a collective victory and we must continue to fight to ensure that it is effectively implemented.
with thanks
Vanessa Lynch & The DNA Project Team
Huge congratulations Vanessa and the Team at The DNA Project! You have put in thousands of hours of work, litres of sweat and pools of tears. Just incredible how it all came together finally. Now ‘Phase 2’ starts in getting SAPS and Prosecutors to start learning and implementing the Act with energy and vigour. Let us know where you need help!
I don’t know how to say “congratulations” in a way that be would adequate for your achievement. I know the strength and dedication that was required in making this happen. From every victim/survivor in this country, we are indebted to you and your team. Thank you X
Great work Vanessa…we are proud of you and the Project.Cannot wait to start my forensic career with the SAPS and contribute in the fight against crime in our country.
Well done Vanessa.
I’ve followed your blog and the occasional seminar you presented for several years now, so I know it’s has been a long battle.
Well done to you Vanessa and DNA Project!
Excellent news!
Now the real work can begin!