Offenders celebrate Mandela month

Derrick Mnguni, Umjindi member of parliament representative has said that incarcerated offenders, just like any other citizens in the country, have a right to celebrate Mandela Day. Mnguni was speaking at Barberton Department of Correctional Services’ maximum centre on Sunday.

“We are here today in this place to celebrate with you Mandela Month as you are part of our community. Remember that you will be welcomed back to the society after you have finished serving your sentence to celebrate the day just like any other unincarcerated citizen,” said Mnguni.

Among those present as well were Matsebane Khoza, a member of the portfolio committee on small business development in parliament, the head of maximum correctional centre Noah Nkosi and Ncedo Masina, who is an ambassador of the Ntjintja Guluva campaign. Nkosi said rehabilitation of offenders is also the responsibility of society.

“We decided to involve the community so they can directly engage offenders with the Mandela Day celebration with aim to change their lives through rehabilitation. This brought a sense of second chance to the offenders and as well as sense of belonging to the same community they are coming from. This also goes a long way in reintegrating the offenders back to the community and also taking away the stigma attached to offenders,” said Nkosi.

Several entertainers, from traditional musicians to dancers and hip-hop artists, were present. Khoza stressed the importance of education to the offenders. “We are pleased that here in prison you have a school for offenders and we encourage you that as soon as you are released, further your studies as education is the key to success.”