Parolees and victims of crime empowered

Deputy Minister of Justice and Correctional Services Nkosi Phathekile Holomisa presided over the certificate ceremony involving 288 victims of crime, parolees and probationers, and community members on September 27 at the Alberton Civic Centre.

This is born out of a collaborative initiative between the Department of Correctional Services (DCS), Vaal University of Technology, Human Capital Learning Solutions (HCLS) and the Safety and Security Sector Education and Training Authority (SASSETA).

The 288 received competency certificates for cellphone repairs and digital terrestrial television skills.

The event was part of Corrections Week, held annually from September 24 to 30, to promote awareness and understanding of the correctional system in SA.

During his address, Holomisa said: “We came here today to remind each other that although high walls and security fences separate inmates from society, at all material times during incarceration, inmates remain a part of us – they come from among us and will return to us upon release.

“Therefore, it behoves us to make every effort to rehabilitate them and help them prepare for life post-release. The government cannot do this work on its own.”

The programme focused on building a larger pool of technicians to assist them in starting their ICT SMMEs.

The ceremony saw the certificate recipients receive tools of trade to the value of R1 000 as part of their business starter pack. This was in addition to the New Venture Creation Learnership (business skills) for the selected candidates who have received a stipend of R2 500 for 12 months from 2022 to date.

The DCS and the National Electronic Media Institute of South Africa signed a memorandum of understanding to promote digital awareness, digital skills and human capacity development.