Offender artwork wins him a prize

Synos Chillies Malamule who is an offender incarcerated at Witbank Correctional Centre received a first prize from Middelburg Mall after winning in a competition.
The competition themed: “This is what I love” art competition was held during the months of May and June and the presentation was held on September 2.

The house designed by the offender Synos Malamule that won him
the iPad first prize from Middelburg Mall.

The Middelburg Mall representatives Mr Mike Tammadge who is the centre manager and Ms Anneliza Erwee the marketing manager awarded Mr Malamule with an iPad after his art work was chosen as the best showcasing of talent and skills development. Upon awarding the prize Mr Tammadge said:

“This was such a wonderful art to display at Middelburg Mall it was the best view for customers. It is the best talent I’ve ever seen from the correctional environment and may the offender keep up the good work. This art was one of the most liked and asked about.”

The iPad will be safely kept and given to him on his release or upon his request to give to any member of his family.
During the competition participants were to submit an art work or hand work made by themselves. The offender has been doing the art work for more than ten years as his skills development projects. The art work he competed with was a double storey ten roomed house with double garage, balcony, swimming pool, yard and a wall fence. This immaculate house was made out of a combination of boxes, sand, plastic, glue, leather, wood, plastic straws, papers and paint.

Ms Anneliza Erwee the marketing manager at Middelburg Mall, inmate
Chillies Malamule (prize winner of an IPad), Ms Zanele Maseko
divisional head Witbank Correctional Centre Education and training
centre, Mr Mike Tammadge centre manager at Middelburg Mall and
at the back is Mr Abednego Nhlanhla Witbank Centre operations manager during the prize giving ceremony held on September 2.

Malamule who has already served 15 years entered the competition after being advised by Mr Buddy Mnguni who is an official at Witbank Correctional Centre under Sports, Arts, Recreation and Culture. The inmate said:

“When I got arrested and sentenced, I thought my life was over especially when I got transferred to Witbank Correctional Centre. But now I have realised that I was closing an old chapter of my life and opening a new one. I truly appreciate this reward it is the fruits of rehabilitation that I experienced here in the centre through the skills development component. Officials here are committed and serve with pride thanks to Mr Mnguni. This art work and talent has become and will be my future way of life, after my release.”

The award ceremony was coupled with gospel music by 15 male offender choir, motivational talk by an inmate and display of art work made and painted by other inmates.