Ian Cameron
Born
Kempton Park, South Africa
NationalitySouth African
EducationPolice Science, UNISA; Certificate in Local Government, University of Pretoria
Occupation(s)Director of Community Safety, Activist
EmployerAction Society
Known forAdvocacy for victims of violent crime, criticism of police minister Bheki Cele

Ian Cameron is a South African civic activist and the Director of Community Safety at Action Society, a non-profit organization focused on assisting victims of violent crime who cannot afford legal counsel.[1]

Action Society was officially opened in 2021, primarily focusing on fighting for reform in the justice system, especially regarding gender-based violence.[2]

Early life and education

Cameron was born in Kempton Park and moved with his family to live in the UK when he was six. He studied Police Science at UNISA and has completed courses at the North-West University, the New York Fire Department, the Montana Department of Forestry, and earned a certificate in Local Government through the University of Pretoria.[3]

Career

Prior to his role at Action Society, Cameron worked for AfriForum for 10 years, focusing on supporting victims of farm attacks.[4] The organization advocates for less dependency on the government in combating crime.[5]

Cameron has been a prominent critic of police minister Bheki Cele.[6][7] He gained attention after an incident where he was removed from a community policing engagement meeting by Cele in Gugulethu.[8]

Advocacy

Cameron and Action Society actively participate in public participation processes regarding proposed legislation.[9] The organization has submitted comments on various amendment bills, including the Gender-Based Violence Amendment Bills,[10] the Criminal Law (Forensic Procedures) Amendment Bill,[11] and the Independent Police Investigative Directorate Amendment Bill.[12]

Controversy

In September 2023 Cameron came under scrutiny for making alleged defamatory comments regarding several black professionals, including Professor Mamokgethi Phakeng. Cameron accused them of corruption in response to a speaking engagement event poster shared on social media. Cameron subsequently apologized, clarifying that he was unaware of Professor Phakeng's specific inclusion in the poster and that his comments were directed at other individuals on the poster with a history of alleged corrupt activities.[13]

Personal life

Cameron is married and is a father. He supports efforts aimed at fighting against the alarming rate of violent rapes and murders, especially against children, in South Africa.[14][15]

References

  1. ↑ Patrick, Alex (7 July 2022). "Ian Cameron: Who exactly is Bheki Cele's new nemesis?". TimesLIVE. Retrieved 30 September 2023.
  2. ↑ "Evil monsters are hunting our children – Ian Cameron". BizNews. Retrieved 30 September 2023.
  3. ↑ Alex Patrick. "Ian Cameron: Who exactly is Bheki Cele's new nemesis?". Times Live. Retrieved 30 September 2023.
  4. ↑ Hanlie Retief (26 July 2020). "Hanlie Retief gesels met Ian Cameron". Rapport. Retrieved 30 September 2023.
  5. ↑ Alex Patrick. "Ian Cameron: Who exactly is Bheki Cele's new nemesis?". Times Live. Retrieved 30 September 2023.
  6. ↑ Unathi Nkanjeni (9 March 2023). "Petition calling for Bheki Cele to be axed as police minister gets support". BusinessDay. Retrieved 30 September 2023.
  7. ↑ Marvin Charles. "Lobby group to lay formal complaint against Cele after member removed from public meeting on crime". News24. Retrieved 30 September 2023.
  8. ↑ Mtumbu, Xolile (13 July 2022). "Meet Ian Cameron, the man who wants to take down Bheki Cele". IOL. Retrieved 30 September 2023.
  9. ↑ Rall, Se-Anne (8 September 2023). "From watchdog to bouncer: Action Society says Bill will render Ipid toothless in the fight against misconduct, abuse of power". IOL. Retrieved 30 September 2023.
  10. ↑ "Action Society's Submissions on the Gender Based Violence Amendment Bills". Action Society. 7 July 2021. Retrieved 30 September 2023.
  11. ↑ "Action Society's Submissions on the Criminal Law (Forensic Procedures) Amendment Bill [B25-2021]". Action Society. 15 July 2022. Retrieved 30 September 2023.
  12. ↑ "Action Society's Submissions on the Independent Police Investigative Directorate Amendment Bill [B21-2023]" (PDF). Action Society. 29 September 2023. Retrieved 30 September 2023.
  13. ↑ "Action Society leader Ian Cameron forced to apologise to Prof Phakeng for defamatory comments". IOL. 11 October 2023. Retrieved 11 October 2023.
  14. ↑ Alex Patrick. "Ian Cameron: Who exactly is Bheki Cele's new nemesis?". Times Live. Retrieved 30 September 2023.
  15. ↑ Hanlie Retief (26 July 2020). "Hanlie Retief gesels met Ian Cameron". Rapport. Retrieved 30 September 2023.
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