To assist parolees during the trying times of Covid-19, African Choice Foundation, in partnership with Prem Rawat Foundation, donated 41 food parcels to deserving former inmates.
The 41 beneficiaries are from Katlehong, Windmill Park, Tsakane, Thokoza, Zonkizizwe, Germiston and Langaville.
Acting area commissioner, Monica Mabena, said the 41 recipients were selected out of 231 persons who qualified for the special parole dispensation.
“Thank you to the foundations for heeding the call of nation building,” Mabena said.
Rev Dr Menzi Mkhathini, director of spiritual care, also expressed appreciation for the the foundations in taking the initiative.
“This is a gesture that will encourage parolees to reach new heights. The donation is meant to sustain them,” he said.
Mkhathini highlighted that Prem Rawat Foundation runs the Peace Education Programme at various correctional facilities which provides access to programmes that improve inmate outcomes during incarceration and post-release.
Ernest Lekethi of African Choice Foundation, facilitator of the Peace Education Programe, said about three months back they drafted a proposal for funds to partner with Prem Rawat Foundation.
“I’m happy that they responded because we are here today to hand over the food parcels. Prem Rawat Foundation funded the food packs and toiletries. The aim of the donation was to meet parolees’ needs half way and to give them hope and support,” Lekethi said.
Rev Tsakani Manganye of Boksburg Correctional management said: “We don’t want parolees to sit and wait for handouts but we want them to make a difference in their communities. We want them to be a blessing to others so that they will also be blessed. They need to ask themselves what can they do for the next person because when you do good, good things will not be withheld from you,” Manganye said.
Gauteng regional commissioner Grace Molatedi added that the recipients of the food parcels have gone through rehabilitation and correctional process that will enable them to start their own viable projects in their communities.
“The food parcels is meant to encourage parolees so that they work hard and remain outside the prison,” Molatedi said.
On behalf of parolees, Mhlaba Masiso (56), from Buhle Park, thanked the two foundations for the donations received.
The Peace Education Programme deals with the psycho-social support, violence reduction, violence prevention, self-discovering and mobile regeneration. The programme is a course with different modules and topics such as peace, appreciation, self-awareness, inner strength, clarity, understanding, dignity, choice and hope.
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