Learners get donations from DCS in Cullinan
Zonderwater’s acting area commissioner Tivani Makasan noted the importance of the Department of Correctional Service’s (DCS) Adopt a School project. He emphasised the commitment to selecting a school each financial year to receive essential donations.
Gauteng Regional acting commissioner Lucky Mathiba handed over much-needed shoes, socks, sanitary products, fruit packs and toothpaste to the learners of Hlabelela Primary School in Ekangala on June 21.
According to Mashudu Mutamba, the communications officer at Zonderwater Correctional Services in Cullinan, the school is home to 513 Grade R to Grade Seven learners in the Ekangala community.
Correctional Services donated 107 pairs of school shoes and socks, while Liberty added 100 pairs of footwear.
The event attendees were parents, the School Governing Body (SGB), Liberty, the Siyathemba Nokeng organisation, traditional leaders, the SAPS, Gauteng provincial wardens and representatives from correctional services.
“Because this was not enough, Siyathemba Nokeng, a health-providing NGO, recognised the challenges faced by girls and donated sanitary products, toothpaste and fruit packs,” said Mutamba.
Likeleli Anokwuru, the principal of Hlabelela Primary School, was moved by the compassion shown by Zonderwater correctional officials. She expressed her belief that such acts of kindness highlighted the importance of collective efforts in nurturing and supporting children.
Anokwuru appealed for continued support to ensure no child suffered due to their family background.
The choir and learners’ traditional dance group that gave a glimpse of Youth Month entertained the delegates and guests.
Adding to the day’s significance, the regional commissioner presented the revitalised vegetable garden, nurtured by the labour of correctional services parolees and probationers.
Zonderwater’s acting area commissioner, Tivani Makasane, noted the importance of the Department of Correctional Service (DCS) ministry’s Adopt a School project. He emphasised the commitment to selecting a school each financial year to receive essential donations.
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“Furthermore, throughout the year, the chosen school benefits from maintenance services and labour provided by DCS officials, including artisans who use labour skills from ex-offenders, parolees and probationers,” Mutamba added.
The gesture touched learner Nomthi Mabena because it reminded the learners that there are kind individuals who genuinely care about their education and well-being.
“These school shoes not only provide us with comfort and protection but also give us a sense of dignity and pride,” said Nomthi.
She thanked the correctional services and promised to honour the donation by dedicating herself to studies and striving to become a responsible, successful individual.
Expressing his joy, Alfred Mabona, a parolee working at the school under community corrections supervision, was proud to be part of the initiative that allowed ex-offenders to give back to the community they once harmed.
While acknowledging that this act of kindness could not fully repair the damage caused, Mabona felt a sense of redemption and acceptance as a human being.
“I recognised my mistakes and now aspire to rebuild my relationship with the community and my family. Although earning their trust may prove challenging, I am committed to the journey,” said Mabona.
Mabona commended the department for the various rehabilitation programmes he did while in custody because he is applying them in the community.
Mutamba said Zonderwater Correctional Services had already undertaken various projects at Hlabelela School, including connecting a JoJo tank, revitalising the vegetable garden, doing electrical repairs in the classrooms, installing piping systems to ensure water supply, refurbishing the library, fixing doors in classrooms and toilets, and donating school shoes.
“The correctional officials at Zonderwater recognise the socio-economic impact of such initiatives, which not only benefit underprivileged learners but also enhance the skills and abilities of parolees and probationers through vocational training programmes.”
Zonderwater pledged to support the school throughout the 2023/2024 financial year, ensuring a brighter future for the learners.
