Parolees, probationers clean burnt schools in Vuwani

Friday, January 20, 2017

Pretoria - Justice and Correctional Services Minister Michael Masutha on Thursday joined parolees and probationers in cleaning damaged schools in Vuwani, Limpopo.

This was part of the Department of Correctional Services’ (DCS) Back to School campaign.

The clean-up operation follows the destruction of school property in the area during the 2016 public protests. The schools include Vhafamadi Secondary, Vhudzani Secondary and Mphagame Primary.

Minister Masutha, who was joined by Chief Tshivhangwaho Mashau and other traditional leaders, used the opportunity to encourage learners to focus on their education. 

Parolees, who live in the local communities, have been deployed to various schools to provide physical labour and technical skills. This is part of their rehabilitation, as they give back to their communities by making a positive contribution.

Minister Masutha engaged both school learners and educators on the importance of working closely with correctional centres. This, according to the Minister, will assist them to understand the various programmes offered to offenders, which may also see them benefiting through offender labour.

The Minister said offenders and parolees receive training in different skills as part of their rehabilitation programmes, and such skills make a difference when they embark on their second chance upon once released.  

Correctional Services National Commissioner Zach Modise encouraged parolees to stay committed and be change agents in their communities in order to break the cycle of crime. 

Vhafamadi Secondary School, which was completely guttered to ashes, is now a fully functional school with a new set of classrooms.

The school principal assured Minister Masutha that they will achieve a 100% matric pass, which will surpass the 62% they achieved in the 2016 academic year. 

Correctional Services will rework the courtyard and fence the school.  

This initiative forms part of a nationwide programme in the rehabilitation of inmates through offender labour, whereby offenders are given an opportunity to correct their wrongdoing by giving back to communities. – SAnews.gov.za