Prisoners have been encouraged to better themselves by working on their creative talents.
Speaking at an open day art exhibition at Ncome Prison, Nquthu Deputy Mayor, Nothile Zungu, said by spending their time, creating arts and crafts, offenders will be equipping themselves with much-needed skills once they are released.
“We need to show your creations to the outside world. This will prove to the community that you wronged that you have changed for the better,” she added. She urged them not to sell their crafts for ‘cigarettes’.
Pretty Dlamini, Correctional Services’ Regional Coordinator in Development and Care, said once they are back in society, offenders should form cooperatives and continue to do ‘good, clean work’ to earn a living.
Principal Cultural Officer, Zwelibanzi Sikhosana, said the department had trained offenders on visual arts and craft for many years. “A nation without respect is a nation with a lost generation. “Respect for each and every culture is very important,” he concluded. Mduduzi Zulu and Frederick Lucas are two offenders who are teaching each other in wood work, leather work and electrical work.