Let’s not discriminate against ex-offenders – Correctional Services
The Department of Correctional Services took a stand against the discrimination of ex-convicts in communities.
The New Start Youth Development (NPO) joined hands with the Department of Correctional Services to host a Discrimination Awareness and Family Day at the Munsieville Care for The Aged Centre last week.
Although cloudy, it did not stop the community members from attending the event. There were also parolees and probationers present with Head of Community Corrections, Emmanuel Chaphi highlighting the purpose of the day.
“We aim to successfully reintegrate offenders back into society,” said Emmanuel. He went on to say that community members and families of the parolees and probationers should not discriminate against or disrespect them.
An engagement with parolees and probationers took place during a question and answer session which was directed by Lorraine Ntuli, who is an acting liaison officer from the Department of Correctional Services.
The ward councilor of ward 24, Rainy Moeketsi, asked for the Correctional Services Department to work with TVET colleges to give the parolees and probationers (without matric) an opportunity to obtain their matric certificates and other qualifications to better their lives.
Lorraine brought to the community’s ears that the department is assisting the parolees with obtaining accredited certificates from the TVET colleges and said, “We are collecting data that will be submitted to the Rand West City Local Municipality (RWCLM) so that they can see the skills that our parolees have and help them get accredited certificates that will make them employable or even start their businesses.”
One of the parolees, Thandeka Soaphi gave a testimony on how she was arrested after she smuggled drugs from Brazil to South Africa.
“I am not proud of what I did and the reason why I can stand in front of people and share my story is because I want to save people from going to jail, it is not nice being in jail,” Thandeka said.
The Head Satellite at the Department of Correctional Services, Hlengiwe Maphalala gave a vote of thanks to everyone who was at the event, including other NGOs and stakeholders that were present. Refreshments were then served to the people at the end of the event.
