‘Gangsterism is not cool’
The Tsakane Police, Love Life and few ex-prisoners visited JE Malepe Secondary School in Tsakane on Wednesday to educate learners about gangsterism and the negative impact it has in people's lives.
They have been to other high schools in and around Kwatsaduza, targeting Grade 10 learners to educate them about crime while ex-convicts shared with the learners their experiences in prison.
Tsakane social crime prevention coordinator, Lebo Ramayisa, educated the young minds about the importance of adopting a positive attitude in life.
“Attitude can shape or destroy your tomorrow,” said Ramayisa. He then advised the learners to take charge of their future.
He said respecting yourself is a first step towards a right direction of achieving more in life.
Ben Radingwana, one of the ex-prisoners who was sentenced to 57 years’ imprisonment for armed robbery, shared ‘life inside prison’ with the learners.
Radingwana was found guilty of armed robbery and spent 13 years behind bars.
He explained to the learners how prisoners survive inside the prison.
“There are certain gangster groups such as the RAF3, 26’s, 27’s and 28’s,” sadly said Radingwana.
Adding that some of these gangs when they come back to the communities, they plant a seed of gangsterism, badly corrupting the minds of the young and innocent young stars within the society.
He then warned the learners to avoid being used by such ex-prisoners who force them to commit crime.
“I understand that gangsterism is high in our township schools, children live according to the prisoners’ code numbers and I will make it my responsibility to ensure that I educate the youth about the consequences that one faces after committing crime and spending many years in jail,” he said.
He said the one lesson that he learnt from prison is that time is the most precious and priceless gift that everyone gets for free.
“But if wasted, it turns out to be the greatest regret that you have to live with for the rest of your life while also suffering the consequences of having committed a crime,” said Radingwana.
He concluded by telling learners that gangsterism is not cool but is the strongest poison that kills a million dreams and shatters bright futures.
