Educating offenders
In order to commemorate world Aids Day, the Department of Correctional Services and Modderbee prison set out a campaign to educate offenders about HIV/Aids.
The day included shareholders, like non-profit organisations who deal with Aids as well as Paster Maria Jacobs from Ikwekwezi fm, gathering with the offenders to educate them and discuss the issues of HIV/Aids.
Sister Dumazile Mashyiane, coordinator of the HIV/Aids programme at the prison says they are very proud of the programme they have put in place.
“We educate the offenders and encourage them to get tested. It is easier to treat the problem if it is identified earlier rather than later,” she says.
The prison does counselling for offenders who are HIV positive.
They also have a treatment programme for these offenders and although they do not have the necessary tablets at the prison, they make arrangements for the offenders to go to Far East Rand Hospital to receive their treatments.
“We have also done 505 medical male circumcisions (MMCs) over the past year. We also have a drama group where the offenders are educated through drama,” Mashyiane says.
The offenders performed plays they had practiced in their drama groups to show what they understand about everything to do with Aids.
Basner Sapie from the Ekurhuleni Department of Health spoke to those present at the event.
He said the Department of Health fully supports the programme.
“Our objectives in the fight against Aids is to get to zero. Zero new infections, zero discrimination and zero Aids-related deaths.”
He encouraged offenders to get tested and to, “live positive after being diagnosed positive.”
