Parolees’ reintegration benefits school in Ekangala
The DCS helps local schools during its financial year.
Zonderwater management area community of corrections heeded the mandatory call to facilitate a smooth social reintegration of parolees and probationers back into society on February 28 at Hlabelela Primary School in
Ekangala through a collaborative partnership with educational entities and communities. The school is one of the public entities that benefited from the hands of parolees and probationers since being adopted for the 2023/2024 financial year.
The maintenance, performed by former inmates under the guidance of DCS artisans at the school, included, among others, installing bathroom and classroom doors, installing electric wires, lights, and switches, connecting the water supply to classes, the erection of JoJo platforms and ramps for wheelchairs.
Dikeledi Anokwuru, the Grades R to Seven Hlabelela Primary School principal, was humbled by the correctional services officials and parolees because their school was on the brink of collapse before the adoption.
“We were confronted by a lack of resources challenges. However, we hoped for a Good Samaritan to rescue us from the dire situation,” said Anokwuru.
Anokwuru praised DCS for lifting the morale of their 547 learners to achieve greater heights, as the district office has already commended the school’s good performance.
Tivani Makasane, the Zonderwater acting area commissioner, said, “They have accepted the responsibility to ensure safety for learners, for them to enjoy their studies, and none should abandon classes because of feeling unsafe at school.
“We are committed to always extending our helping hand as part of our corporate social responsibility.”
Makasane advised learners to avoid illegal substances because they will damage their future. The ceremony revealed some learners’ talents when they demonstrated their poetic and dance skills.
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Nonti Mabena and Minenhle Sibiya graced the event, delivering a touching poem and praising the work done by the officials and the ex-inmates.
“Today, we witness your rehabilitation programmes for parolees and probationers. You have shown us the transformative power of giving our fathers, uncles and brothers second chances”, said Mabena.
Mashudu Mutamba, the communications manager at Zonderwater Correctional Services, said, “Like Hlabelela Primary School and any other previous benefactors of the adopted schools, their correctional facility will continue to donate school shoes and sanitary towels and provide maintenance to such schools annually.”
“Lesedi Secondary School in Donkerhoek has been chosen for the adoption pack for the 2024/2025 financial year, where learners will start by receiving sanitary towels and school shoes soon,” said Mashudu.
