The Nelspruit Community Corrections branch, in partnership with the Safer South Africa Foundation and SuperB, successfully commemorated Mandela Month at Phakani Primary School on July 25.
The manager of parolees and probationers for Nelspruit Community Corrections, Nosipho Anton, indicated that the Department of Correctional Services (DCS) had come together with several stakeholders and school communities to honour Mandela’s values and continue his work.
She said the department recognised that the legacy of Mandela is not just a memory, but a call to action.
“As a department, we are challenged to make a positive difference in our own communities to address the social ills that still plague our society, and to build a better future for all. As we proceed with today’s programme, let us remember Mandela’s words when he said the greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall. Let us rise to the challenge of making a difference, let us rise to the challenge of building a better South Africa, and let us rise to the challenge of honouring Madiba’s legacy,” she said.
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The initiative was made possible through the collaboration of various social partners, including SuperB, the Safer South Africa Foundation and the Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Land and Environmental Affairs (Dardlea).
The event was graced by the Mpakeni Tribal Authority’s Indvuna Shadrack Lukhele.
Activities for the day included handing over food parcels to support vulnerable families, donated by SuperB, the development of a vegetable garden that will contribute to the school’s self-sustainability programme, the planting of indigenous trees donated by Dardlea, which will not only beautify the school, but also contribute to environmental conservation, and the donation of school shoes and sanitary towels to learners in need.
The area co-ordinator of social reintegration, Khabo Fakude, said the initiative aligns with the values of Nelson Mandela, emphasising community service, selflessness and making a positive impact.
“We are very much grateful to our social partners who have yielded to the call. Thank you for walking this journey with us and caring for our children, our learners, the future generation. It truly does take a village to educate a child,” he said.
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On the same day, the DCS’s youth officials gathered at the Barberton Farm Correctional Centre’s sports field to revamp the netball court.
The project, which was also undertaken as part of the Mandela Month activities, aimed to promote teamwork, discipline and camaraderie among officials, while also giving back to the community.
Opheliah Motloutsi, the spokesperson for the Barberton Correctional Services, said: “We feel honoured to receive a donation of netball kits from Liberty Life, which we handed over to the netball crew. This generous contribution will go a long way in supporting the development of netball in our community.”
