Offenders commemorate Human Rights Day in Bethal
Offenders performed and showcased their different talents through dancing and singing.
Bethal Correctional Centre commemorated Human Rights Day held on March 23, at the correctional centre’s grounds.
About 300 men and women offenders and 100 officials with various stakeholders such as Govan Mbeki Municipality, the Department of Health, the Department of Education, the Department of Home Affairs, Enduduzweni NGO and South African Police Services attended the day.
Head of Bethal Correctional Centre, Enock Chonco, mentioned in his welcoming speech that in our constitution of 1996 there are a set of rights to which every human is entitled and with the recognition of human rights, some of the things were abolished such as the death penalty because it breached the right to life.
“As you are detained here in the centre you also have rights, some are limited. However, as a human being you have rights,” said Chonco.
Dominic Zulu, the acting area commissioner, said in his address that this is a way of remembering unarmed brothers and sisters who were killed in 1960 at Sharpeville.
“Long time ago, this day was not commemorated because of the system,” said Zulu.
“Let us safeguard our rights,” said Aaron Mbokazi, a member of the Technical Mayoral Committee for GMM.
He went on to say everyone has the right to equal treatment and it requires that all are to be treated equally before the law and without discrimination.
“These days, people who have money are not arrested and those who are poor are being arrested. We would love to see people in a senior position who are corrupt being arrested,” said Mbokazi.
CEO of the Evander Hospital, Madala Ndlovu, said in her message of support that every human being has the right to have access to health care services and that she encouraged the offenders to take their treatment.
“That is why when you are sick the department of correctional services drives you to the hospital to be examined,” said Ndlovu.
Keynote speaker Lieut-Col Khuselwa Metrose, Bethal station commander, said most of the offenders who were in attendance that day are imprisoned for violating other people’s rights.
“Gender-based violence, and breaking and stealing peoples’ belonging is also a violation of other people’s rights,” said Lieut-Col Metrose.
She concluded by saying that everyone is in charge of his or her happiness.
Offenders listened and showed interest in the information with which they were provided.
Duduzile Khanyi, an offender from Bethal Correctional Centre, said that she learnt a lot from the speakers.
She said some of the things offe do, are because of their lack of knowledge.
Offenders performed and showcased their different talents through dancing and singing.
