Ex-con sews a success story
The municipality handed over seven industrial sewing machines to Mathusalem Clothing Designer & Embroidery, owned by former prison inmate Basil Mthethwa.
THE story of Basil Mthethwa, an ex-convict turned budding entrepreneur should serve as an inspiration to the youth of Mabhuyeni and the entire community of Mfolozi Local Municipality.
This was the sentiment of a Member of Parliament and Chairperson of Human Settlements Portfolio Committee, Nocawe Mafu.
Mafu was speaking at the Methusalem Sewing Project handover, held last week at Mabhuyeni Hall, in Ward 7, under uMfolozi Municipality.
The municipality handed over seven industrial sewing machines to Mathusalem Clothing Designer & Embroidery, owned by former prison inmate Basil Mthethwa.
About R70 000 was made available by the local municipality to purchase the equipment.
‘As government we have come under severe criticism that we give inmates five star treatment and that they have more rights than those who are in the community.
‘When they come out of prison, they battle to cope with outside life, and as a result they quickly return to prison, because there is good food there, they watch TV and are also offered learning programmes.
‘It is our duty as government to rehabilitate and prepare them for life outside prison.
‘The reality is that we can’t fold our arms and do nothing about our inmates, because they are still part of us as a nation.
‘Of course there are those who will abuse these rights and those who will use them to their benefit, such as Basil.
‘We are proud of you, Basil, and the progress you have made in changing your life and that of your community, through the skills you acquired while you were still serving jail time.
‘As government we will support you all the way, as we hope this project will make a difference in reducing unemployment in the Mabhuyeni area.
Mafu warned the youth not to misunderstand the story of Basil Mthethwa.
‘To the youth, crime is still not an easy way out for you to become successful in life. Do not be fooled by Basil’s story, and assume that crime pays,’ she said.
Mthethwa who hails from the crime-torn are of Mabhuyeni Reserve was arrested for armed robbery and sentenced to 20 years in 2002, and was released on parole before completing his jail term.
He only had Grade 10 when he started serving his jail terms both in Westville Correctional Services and at Qalakabusha.
‘I managed to continue with my school work and completed my matric. I also registered for a national diploma in Agricultural management through UNISA, but owing to financial constraints never completed it.
‘That’s when I started falling in love with sewing, a sector that is very close to my heart. I learned all those skills while I was inside.
‘When I came out in 2012, I registered my company where we do some clothing work for schools and local companies.
The 33-year old Mthethwa was one of the recipients at last year’s uThungulu Community Foundation grant issuing ceremony, receiving R20 000.
‘I wish to commend our local Mfolozi Municipality for this donation,’ said Mthetwa, who was in tears.
