Correctional Services Minister Sibusiso Ndebele has commended the Department of Correctional Services (DCS) for intensifying its efforts towards ensuring that prisons shift to institutions of new beginnings.
“The transformation programme of our democratic government necessitated that prisons shift from institutions of humiliation to institutions of new beginnings. Therefore, we must deliver justice for victims and ensure that offenders make restitution both to society for their crimes, and leave correctional centres with better skills and prospects. Central to imprisonment is not the removal of a person from normal unhindered membership of society. It is not just the grim and stoical doing time. It is not even regret and remorse. What is central is rehabilitation and reintegration as a better human being,” Minister Ndebele said.
To this end, DCS officials in the Western Cape are undertaking a community outreach programme this week, 24 to 29 June 2013 in the southern Cape, where DCS is also donating state-of-the-art wheelchairs to 54 disabled children, women and men. Western Cape DCS Regional Commissioner Delekile Klaas said the wheelchairs, donated through a joint initiative with Hillsong Church, are being handed to disabled people from the communities of Knysna, Oudtshoorn, Plettenberg Bay, George and Mossel Bay. Today, 27 June the progamme commenced in Plettenberg Bay and will move to Knysna.
Yesterday, 26 June in Ha Mutsha in Limpopo, ex-offenders were handed business starter packs to start their own businesses including welding, building, scaffolding, carpentry, sewing, plumbing and car washing.
Meanwhile, the halfway house project, in Naturena south of Johannesburg, is proving to be a success in assisting young ex-offenders. To help these offenders overcome various challenges in their young lives, DCS is providing juvenile parolees with support and the love of house parents they never had before. Youth currently comprise one third of the country’s offender population. According to the 2012/13 national average statistics, of the 150,608 inmates, youth (up to 25 years) comprised 45, 842 inmates.
Enquiries:
Logan Maistry
Cell: 083 644 4050
