A long prison sentence has changed a recently released man’s outlook on life.
After 28 years incarceration for two murders and nine robberies, Adre Van Vuuren was released to a new South Africa after 19 years of democracy, and regrets that he missed the occasion which changed the country from a pariah state to a rainbow nation.
Van Vuuren who features in a thriller movie Pinky Pinky, that narrates a folklore story depicting the life and exploits of a character with the same name. The character is an infamous criminal and felon who terrorises society after the justice system failed him following the murder of his wife. The story was told by parents to scare and instil discipline in children in the sixties to the early eighties.
Van Vuuren said incarceration changed his view on racial bigotry after spending many years mingling with other racial and social groupings in prison.”There are evil men and women in all racial groups and prison exposes one to both, and gives you time to reflect on one’s life pending release or in one’s afterlife,” he said.
His prison time earned him membership of the South African Prisoners’ Organisation for Human Rights which helps to reintegrate former convicts into society. The organisation is taking part in the film to give its members an opportunity to contribute to society as part of their rehabilitation. For Van Vuuren, the story line relates to his life experiences which he wants to use to contribute to children’s welfare and development.
“Unlike other places, Alexandra has not changed after 20 years of democracy, and many children may be driven to anti-social activities because they lack opportunities and role models among them, except criminal minded people who they emulate in conduct and actions,” he added.
Other ex-offenders participating in the filming said the opportunity helped re-integrate them into society, and made them feel good and valued for allowing them to contribute to educating children on discipline, family values, peace and forgiveness.
