Zonderwater Prison in Rayton brings smiles to Thokozani elders on Mandela Day
An event, which was aimed to aid more than 48 elders of the Thokozani Aged Group, kicked off on Monday, July 18 at the Rethabiseng Multi-purpose Centre in Bronkhorstspruit under the theme ‘Do what you can, with what you have.’
Correctional officials from Zonderwater led various government departments and community leaders during the International Mandela Day celebration.
Communities around the world honour the legacy of former South African President, Nelson Mandela’s birthday by volunteering 67 minutes of their time and labour for community service on Mandela Day.
An event, which was aimed to aid more than 48 elders of the Thokozani Aged Group, kicked off on Monday, July 18 at the Rethabiseng Multi-purpose Centre in Bronkhorstspruit under the theme ‘Do what you can, with what you have.’
On that day, 30 correctional officials and parolees from the Zonderwater Prison in Rayton cleaned the vegetable garden and overhauled the non-operative borehole.
“The department eyed to celebrate Mandela Day with elders from Thokozani Aged Group this year to revamp their vegetable garden. It is a challenge for them because of their age,” said Thandi Maya, head of community corrections at Zonderwater.
“With winter lingering, it was our purpose to remind the elderly that Correctional Services still care about their wellbeing by offering delicious soup.”
Gift packs and pamphlets from the Department of Correctional Services (DCS) were also handed out.
Maya said they took parolees with them on Mandela Day as motivation to render services and attend community-based programmes to enhance their rehabilitation process.
“By doing so, we hope to integrate the parolees back into the community.”
Maya continued to ask the elderly to accept parolees and to support ex-offenders to visit those offenders who are still in custody.
The manager of the Thokozani Aged Group, Gogo Thoko Magudulela, said that the group has been running a vegetable garden, painting beads, sowing and showcasing traditional artwork for the past 23 years.
She commended the time and effort contributed by DCS as Thokozani accommodates people older than 60 years and they cannot always do the work themselves.
“Today I have learnt about teamwork and the spirit of ubuntu by the charity of the officials, we appreciate it”, said Magudulela.
She further applauded the officials for teaching them different techniques for the decoration of their garden beds.
Gogo Eva Masilela, an author and Thokozani Aged Group member, said that Mandela Day plays a vital role because it brings the recognition of social justice within the community.
She applauded the DCS for recognising the elders as she also experiences the aftermath of hard labour by working in their vegetable garden as an elder.
“We praise without limit the old man for fighting for human rights.”
Masilela urged correctional officials to continue with their Good Samaritan services to others.
According to DCS, Zonderwater officials make it an annual event to provide services and hand out gift packs during their visits to institutions on Mandela Day.
Every year Zonderwater officials also adopt a school where learners are provided with sanitary packs.
“It was evident that the community was pleased with men and women in browns reaching out to people as the DCS gazebo was fully stocked for those who were thirsty to receive more information about the services that department renders,” said Mashudu Mutamba, communication manager at Zonderwater Correctional Services.
