Stakeholders partner with DCS to rehabilitate offenders through sport

In an initiative to rehabilitate offenders, Zonderwater Correctional Services hosted an inspiring soccer match on July 3 among offenders at Correctional Centre Medium A and the Supersport TV soccer team (Amaroto FC).

The match, organised by Zonderwater Sports, Recreation, Arts and Culture (SRAC), spearheaded by 4LGAMES, was part of a broader effort to run numerous soccer tournaments within the correctional services department.

The event marked a significant step in using sports to promote rehabilitation and positive social interaction among inmates.

Ludwick Letsoalo, sports coordinator at Correctional Centre Medium A highlighted the main brain behind the game was to raise awareness, support rehabilitation programmes and minimise criminal behaviour to bring unity through sporting activities.

“We must keep the offenders busy while in custody as the rehabilitation process unfolds. I believe this collaboration will bring them closer to the community and help them feel connected and valued,” said Letsoalo.

The match began with a high energy level as Zonderwater Eleven (offenders) was not ready to lose the game to their visitors (Amaroto).

This comes after one of the highlights, when Tebogo Ndlebe, an offender, brought the spectators to their feet by scoring his first goal 15 minutes after the game started.

This thrilling moment encapsulated the excitement and energy of the event, highlighting the transformative power of sports.

Ndlele was happy not only for being the goal scorer but also to see the community still have hope in the correctional system.

“We have realised our mistakes and are ready to serve the community we have wronged during our release,” said Ndlebe.

Josias Mokobane, Zonderwater correctional area commissioner, supports the issues of stakeholders working with correctional facilities in addressing and enforcing the rehabilitation of offenders while in custody.

He encourages the community and NGOs to visit centres regularly as part of ensuring the rehabilitation of offenders is a societal responsibility.

Some community outreach programmes within the centres are viewed by many who visit the prison as another way of offering those incarcerated a second chance.

Reggie “Mapensela” Ndlovu, the multi-talented actor and Supersport TV Soccer commentator, was thrilled to witness the discipline and teamwork among offenders during the soccer game.

He said this was not what he expected, and the inmates are unlike what society describes them in the outside world.

Mapensela pleaded with inmates to continue being active in sports as it will revive their fitness and a healthy lifestyle.

“We appreciate this partnership as these activities assist not only in the rehabilitation process but also to shape offenders to become good men within the community during release,” said Mapensela.

The visitors (Amaroto) lost to the host 4-3.