WATCH: Sport brings positive change at Krugersdorp Prison
The offenders know that they must behave in order to participate again.
“We are ready to face the community, we are ready to face the world.”
Recently, the Krugersdorp Correctional Services Centre held a special soccer event with 1 010 offenders in attendance.
According to Employee Relations officer, Linda de Klerk, the sports day is an annual event that engages the offenders. Prison is always associated with drugs and gangsters, but participating in events like these helps to improve their image.
“Prison is not just full of negativity, it can also be about positive events,” said Linda.
The objective of the programme was to build social cohesion, promote the rehabilitation of offenders and include sport development in the range of activities available to them. Approximately 70 delegates from local government also attended the event and enjoyed quality soccer played by the offenders.
Watch a video from the day here:
Soccer gear was handed over to the offenders participating in the sport by the government officials, and medals and trophies were awarded to the winning teams.
“The day went very well – I think that they should do it more often,” said clinical nurse Tihonolo Monama.
According to Alister Fortuin (one of the offenders involved), these events keep their minds busy and help them to feel accepted in the world. He also added that the event helps them to socialise with each other as they are cut off from the outside world.
“These events also help us to live out our talents and one day when we leave here, at least we will have accomplished something,” said Alister.
Linda also told the News that the offenders know that they must behave, otherwise they will not be allowed to participate in this sort of event again.
After being in prison for more than 15 years, three offenders told the News, “Our lives are like a paved road –we keep on paving our way out to a better road”.
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