Working together to rehabilitate offenders

Mzintlanga Traditional Council visited the area commissioner’s office with the aim of promoting stakeholder relations last Thursday.

Prince Andile ‘Vusilizwe’ Matomane, with his organiser Mawande ‘Bhele’ Vimbela, had a fruitful meeting with the executive of Kokstad Management Area, where various issues were discussed in terms of promoting stakeholder relations between the Department of Correctional Services and Mzintlanga Traditional Council.

This council presides over Kokstad and its surrounding communities.

Matomane said he has been looking forward to having this meeting as he believes that it will assist in terms of closing the gap between these two stakeholders.

“Mzintlanga Traditional Council are looking forward to forging a partnership with the department in terms of social cohesion, as Kokstad is a melting pot in which different people with different cultures exist and live in harmony.

“Why can’t we work together in programmes like Funda Mzantsi where your offenders can compete with local schools? This could assist in promoting and preserving our indigenous languages. I once heard you talking about a halfway house for offenders who are stranded and don’t have a strong support system after they have been granted parole. We can grant you one as this council. There are schools that have been closed due to low numbers of learners; what can we do to turn them into skills development centres empowering your probationers?” said Matomane.

The Acting Area Commissioner of Kokstad Management Area, Muzibuyile Mdlalose, really appreciated the visit.

“As Kokstad Management Area, we will appreciate having the halfway house as some parolees can not be granted parole because they cannot be released to any homes. Most of these parolees are from rural areas who came to towns for better opportunities. But first, we have to do a site inspection of this house and then consult with provincial principals for approval,” said Mdlalose.

He concluded by thanking Matomane for coming, as this will assist in reducing recidivism and promote successful societal responsibility in the rehabilitation of offenders.

HAVE YOUR SAY

Like the South Coast Fever’s Facebook page