Born and bred in Pienaar, Msogwaba, this mother of five is using her spare time as part of the Mrs Mpumalanga social developmental programmes to motivate and encourage women never to throw in the towel and give up on life and dreams.

Vilakazi said female ex-offenders have a tendency of giving up on their dreams, while many others do not know what to do and where to go after serving their time behind bars.

“Last week, I visited the Bethal correctional facility’s female section with the hopes of reaching out to these women currently serving time. I am using this time and opportunity to motivate women behind bars and those who have already served their time. I am giving them hope to go for their dreams and move past their former mistakes,” said Vilakazi.

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She argued that ex-offenders face too many hardships after serving their times and being released back into society.

“Many can’t find employment, because they now have records attached to them everywhere they go. Many are rejected by their communities, judged on their past mistakes, and when these things start to happen to them, they tend to lose focus and abandon their dreams. I want to be there for them. I want to help them see the light and get back on their feet and chase after their dreams, but in a more responsible manner.” Vilakazi said she wanted to use her Mrs Mpumalanga crown, were she to be crowned, to help empower more women.

“I am visiting these correctional centres to encourage our mothers, sisters, aunts, cousins and relatives that society still loves and needs them, and that they still have a bigger role to play within their communities. Yes, they need to work extra hard to earn the trust and respect of their families and communities again.

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“They must strive to become better and willing to put more effort into regain society’s trust. If I am crowned the new queen, I will ensure that I use my reign as an advocate of change and empowerment,” she continued. She said she wished the community may also be taught to forgive and welcome ex-offenders back.