Focus on correction, not punishment

THE common saying that criminals must be locked up, the keys thrown away and they should be left to rot in jail, no longer exists in this country.

That was the sentiment expressed by the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services, Advocate Michael Masutha, speaking at the country’s first Correctional Youth Summit at uMzuvukile Sports Ground in eNseleni on Saturday.

The summit, hosted by the minister in partnership with the City of uMhlathuze, marked the start of a series of similar summits to be hosted across the country to advance youth empowerment through corrections.

Masutha is engaging directly with young people, especially those at risk of ending up in correctional facilities owing to poverty, unemployment and lack of economic emancipation.

‘As correctional services we are not God. We cannot guarantee it will change a person, it is up to them to change and we only create that opportunity for them.

‘We can train a person to manage their anger and we try to expose our inmates to educational programmes. Some study and now occupy very good positions.’

Masutha also paid tribute to Metro FM Award winner Nathi Mankayi, a musician from the Eastern Cape who is a product of the Department of Correctional Services’ (DCS) rehabilitation programme.

The summit sessions are intended to explore ways of keeping young people away from crime by tapping into local developmental opportunities through collaborative programmes between the DCS, municipalities, other government departments, the private sector and civil society.

Integration

Masutha pleaded with employers not to discard convicts.

‘We encourage our former inmates to be honest. If you have offended and have truly changed, then say so in your interviews.

‘The challenge is to change society’s mindset and to help our inmates to reassure their commitment that they have done wrong, but have no intention of going back.

‘We encourage our former inmates to go back to their communities, community policing and safety forums and use their skills which was once used for a negative purpose to now overcome the challenge of crime.

‘Every year we send inmates to paint, repair and refurbish schools as part of their of contribution to society, to show society we can use your life for positive change,’ said Masuthu.