DCS hosts programme to help parolees reintegrate back into society
“Our purpose is to provide the humanitarian support to offenders released during the Covid-19 pandemic within the Gauteng region,”
The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) partnered with the African Choice Foundation (ACF) to offer relief to parolees affected by Covid-19 at the Zonderwater correctional services in Cullinan on Tuesday.
“The PEP’s community outreach programme operating under the ACF partnered with the departments’ spiritual care unit to provide support for ex-offenders released during the Covid-19 pandemic,” said Mashudu Masambo from correctional services.
The Zonderwater community corrections identified 25 parolees, both male and female, released during the special parolees dispensation. The programme, hosted by the DCS chaplaincy and community corrections, handed over food parcels and sanitary towels to beneficiaries.
The parolees from Refilwe, Moloto, Kwa-Mhlanga, Nkangala, and Rethabiseng were transported to the blue hall at Zonderwater correctional services.
“Our purpose is to provide humanitarian support to offenders released during the Covid-19 pandemic within the Gauteng region,” said Ernest Lekethi, co-founder and CEO of ACF.
Lekethi said he hoped the parcels would benefit parolees and their families because of the hardship most of them faced trying to a job during the pandemic.
“Our partnership with spiritual care leaders and community corrections would result in offenders being re-integrated back into the community.”
Alfred Mabona, a parolee and beneficiary said he was humbled by the gesture.
“It is a challenge to provide for our families due to the scarcity of jobs in this pandemic,” said Mabona.
Head of community corrections Thandi Maya applauded everyone involved for boosting the offender’s morale.
“I am thrilled as this will minimise the stigma faced by offenders within the community,” said Maya.
Maya said she “longed” for the community to start accepting offenders back into the community as this would curb re-offending.
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