Correctional Services in Bethal stresses human rights through education
There has also been an escalation to identify and enhance the skills of offenders.
Through its relationships with several stakeholders, the Bethal Department of Correctional Services (DCS) ensures that the right to access education becomes a reality for offenders, correctional officials, learners and the community.
A series of activities occurred since the beginning of this month to observe Human Rights, particularly the right to access education, as enshrined in the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, Section 29 (1). Since the beginning of the year, they held events on crime awareness and prevention in many public schools.
“Learners received information about careers available in the department, were educated about the dangers of criminality, and encouraged to refrain from participating in criminal activities,” said Siphiwe Mahlangu, the communications manager for the Bethal Management Area.
He said the DCS has also helped establish vegetable gardens to support the school’s feeding schemes.
“The DCS has also cleaned and done maintenance at these schools to ensure learners have access to education in a safe and clean environment,” said Mahlangu.
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There has also been an escalation to identify and enhance offenders’ skills. A fine art workshop, Umsizi nePende (Powder and Paint), was held at Standerton Correctional Centre on March 20.
“During the session, fine art artists sourced by the Department of Culture, Sport and Recreation (DCRS) shared their knowledge and expertise with offenders who had demonstrated a flair for fine art.
“It was to prepare offenders to produce meaningful artwork for exhibition in public spaces, such as museums, for showcasing their skills and art galleries for selling the products,” said Mahlangu.
Mahlangu said the DCS Bethal Management Area is making serious strides to ensure the officials, offenders and learners (communities) unleash their potential.
“These are perennial activities that will be sustained to ensure the right to access education is secured beyond the month of Human Rights because it has proved to be a potent weapon that can liberate us from all sorts of disinformation and misinformation,” concluded Mahlangu.
