Restorative justice
The event brought together traditional leaders, traditional healers and other stakeholders who all play a role of correcting offending behaviour
Members of the public, officials and other stakeholders gathered at Witbank Correctional Centre for the Public Victim Offender Dialogue (PVOD) programme which was organised by Correctional Services.
The programme was held at the centre on Wednesday, February 27.
The event brought together traditional leaders, traditional healers and other stakeholders who all play a role of correcting offending behaviour.
Representatives from the Departments of Health, Education and Social Development all gave encouraging messages of support to the offenders and the programme in its entirety alongside Foundation for Victims of Crime (FOVOC) and SAPS.
“95 offenders and parolees were part of this event. They rendered musical items and moral support to their fellow and former inmates. Overall, three offenders were asking for forgiveness from their victims while two parolees gave testimonies of their lives before and after correctional rehabilitation,” said Ms Thabile Mahlangu official of the edaprtment.
Chief Harold Mahlangu indicated that parents owe their children the truth about their true identities.
He stressed that most children do not know their biological fathers and said that was the driving force behind immorality.
He also commented on the poor working relationship between government and traditional leaders.
His statements were echoed by Chief Manala Mgibe who added that Correctional Services must involve chiefs when rehabilitating offenders because offenders are members of their communities.
The Area Commissioner, Reverend Mandla Sibanyoni in his address said: “Asking for forgiveness takes courage. Forgiving does not mean you are a fool, although it is hard, we ought to forgive.”
He reiterated to the forum that the VOD is not drama, he supported his statement by saying reconciliation is a spiritual journey.
