From an inmate to an inspiration to others
Together with fellow inmate, Thabani Khumalo, they started Golden Palm, a non-profit organisation that aims to inspire inmates to change their ways
He did the crime, served his time and now wants to motivate other offenders to learn from their mistakes.
Sanele Sipho Buthelezi, a former inmate convicted of murder and who has turned his life around, is hoping to help make a difference in the community by motivating others and being an inspiration. Mr Buthelezi was sentenced to 15 years in jail for murder but released after seven and a half for good behaviour.
He spent three years in Glencoe Prison, four years in Waterval Prison and two months in Dundee. During his incarceration, Mr Buthelezi resolved to turning his life around and helping others do the same. The support of family and friends helped him through and he was also committed to serving his time and atoning for his mistakes.
He made sure he stayed away from the gang scene and concentrated on studying. He did courses in Agriculture, Hospitality and Business Management as well as becoming involved with the church and SAFA. Together with fellow inmate, Thabani Khumalo, they started Golden Palm, a non-profit organisation that aims to inspire inmates to change their ways and give back to society once they are released. Both men have been released now but continue to help through their organisation. He also completed the Victim Offender Dialogue (VOD), whereby he apologised to the community in a public setting. Through the VOD, he also spoke to the victim’s family, showing his remorse for his actions.
Bid to encourage street children to reform
Since his release in May 2018, Mr Buthelezi has registered his company as well as attended numerous events at schools where he’s talked to children about life in jail and why they shouldn’t go down that path. He also wants to encourage the numerous street children in town to turn away from drugs.
Mr Buthelezi recently hosted a sports tournament at Dundee Correctional Services for offenders, as a way to encourage them to change.
He thanked the Head of Dundee Correctional Centre for the opportunity to speak to offenders, Mr Jele, the Sports Coordinator at the Dundee Correctional Services, all the officials, Speaker Bongiwe Mbatha-Makathini, Cllr Zwane and Gugu Nyembe and Mbongiseni from Department of Sports and Recreation. He also thanked close friend Thabani Buthelezi for helping him to become a better person and helping him make a difference.
With a new positive outlook on life, Mr Buthelezi is proof that people can change and he hopes to bring about more change in others.
