The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) will convene a first ever gathering of ex-offenders, parolees and probationers on the 23rd and 24th July 2015 at the St. Georges Hotel in Pretoria.
The conference is expected to bring together ex-offenders, victims of crime, academics and other role-players in order to develop a South African blueprint detailing the role of former inmates within the broader society.
In recognising that the marginalisation of ex-offenders, and the failure to facilitate their re-entry into mainstream society as productive citizens, may undermine public safety, offender reintegration has been identified as an important facet of any long-term crime prevention strategy. This is also outlined in the White Paper on Corrections, which prioritises the rehabilitation and successful reintegration of inmates back to society.
Deputy Minister Makwetla will deliver a keynote address followed by expert inputs with the following topics:
- Topic 1: “Educating society about embracing rehabilitation and reintegration of inmates back into society” by Professor S.S. Kumalo
- Topic 2: “How former inmates can play a meaningful role in strengthening government’s efforts aimed at combating and preventing criminality” by Mr. C. Moumakwe
- Topic 3: “The niche role ex-inmates can play in promoting moral regeneration in support of crime prevention” by Adv. Ntsewa
- Topic 4: “Offender employability and criminal record” by Adv. W van Vuuren
The mandate of DCS requires efforts to ensure the rehabilitation of all inmates, so that they may return to their communities with the desire, and ability, to become productive members of society. As effective reintegration is not easily achievable, a range of services are necessary to support persons while they are incarcerated and once they are released from correctional centres.
Numerous initiatives are currently undertaken by a plethora of key players to advance sustainable social reintegration. However, integration of these efforts will maximise their collective impact.
The conference seeks to find ways, and means, of aligning various efforts, identify policy, and strategy, gaps and mobilise various players to partner with government to create a national movement for offender social re-entry. To realise these goals, all civil society institutions, including non-governmental organisations, business, community-based organisations, faith-based structures, and individuals and families, need to join hands and play their part.
Media is invited to cover the opening session of the conference as follows:
Date: Thursday, 23 July 2015
Venue: St Georges Hotel and Conference Centre, 58 Doornkloof, Goede Hoop Avenue, Irene, Pretoria
Time: 9h30 for 10h00
We wish to request media attending to please confirm attendance with:
Matshidiso Mapole
Cell: 076 478 3620
E-mail: Matshidiso.Mapole@dcs.gov.za
Enquiries:
Ntime Skhosana
Cell: 082 496 6875
