The Minister of Justice and Correctional Services, Michael Masutha, has urged employers not to close their doors when ex-offenders with relevant qualifications seek job opportunities at their companies.
He was addressing a packed hall at the Boksburg Correctional Services during the graduation ceremony of inmates on September 21.
It was a joyful day for family members of prisoners as they witnessed their children, uncles, brothers and sisters, graduate.
Out of the 127 offenders who graduated, 13 of them were from the Boksburg Correctional Services.
Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Human Settlements Lesiba Mpya welcomed everyone and congratulated graduates for their milestone achievement.
“The city is very proud of you today for achieving what you have achieved. The city has demonstrated commitment to education as they recently increased the bursary fund from R10 million to R100 million.
“As a city we believe that it is important not to deprive others in recognising their dreams; let’s give offenders a second chance.”
“The city will be waiting for you with joy to receive you once again into our communities.”
Masutha, who gave a keynote address, said inmates shall no longer be regarded as thorn trees but they will become a fig tree that feeds.
“We thank your loved ones who not only came here today to support you, but we thank them for always being there for you. They never gave up on you when everyone rejected and called you names; they stood by you up until this day.
“Our purpose as a rehabilitation centre is to prepare our inmates for the world and the society that they belong to.”
“Please don’t reject them; they have a contribution to make for the advancement of this country,” Masutha said.
Guests chanted and cheered as their loved ones walked down the red carpet wearing their graduation gowns to receive their qualifications on stage.
Leading the procession, Professor Dinah Meahabo, honoured four top achievers for performing exceptionally well in their studies.
Among the four achievers was Vusimuzi Zwane from the Boksburg Correctional Services who received a Unisa diploma in Abet. The overall winner was Madeleen Bredenhann who received her master’s degree in tax law through Unisa.
Another Boksburg Correctional graduate who made the packed room to stand in ovation to salute him was Themba Mhlanga (50) who received four distinctions.
“Seeing everyone stand up and cheering me made me feel happy. I think the reason they did that was because of what I achieved even though I’m old,” said Mhlanga.
“I got incarcerate when I was 35. I finished my matric in 2015 and next year I am going to further my education by studying for a diploma in teaching through Unisa.
“My ultimate goal is to become an Abet teacher and to teach my peers who are of the same age as me.”
Her daughter, Teprine Ndebele , said she felt proud of her dad to have achieved what he achieved under the difficult circumstances of incarceration.
Vusi Zwane’s brother, Bheki from Tsakane, said: “I feel happy and surprised about my brother’s impressive academic performance. What he has achieved today will motivate other family members to take their education serious.”
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