Johannesburg - Prisoners from the Leeuwkop Prison in Johannesburg have urged criminals to stop terrorising communities on Mandela Day as a sign of respect for the former President.
The offenders from the department's correctional facility spent 67 minutes of their time in Diepsloot on Saturday, participating in community projects such as building of houses for the elderly, cleaning up illegal dumping areas and painting the roof of the local clinic.
The prisoners also distributed reading and playing material supplied by the Nelson Mandela Children Foundation to disadvantaged children.
This formed part of events planned to mark Mandela Day, a campaign which calls on South Africans to dedicate 67 minutes of their time improving the living conditions of others or making a difference in their communities.
"Our bothers and sisters must stop crime to show respect for Madiba and as part of celebrating his legacy and life.
"This old man was in prison for our freedom, not for terrorizing communities and I urge all criminals to show respect to Madiba by desisting from criminal activities," said Jonathan Sebotle a prisoner and volunteer.
Mr Sebotle, who was sentenced ten years for rape, said he had realised that crime does not pay and wished to encourage criminals to discontinue their activities and instead care for their respective communities.
Speaking to BuaNews, Ben Mogase, said criminals should be encouraged to abstain from criminal activities on a special day as Mandela Day.
"Crime has left many children without parents and it is our duty as prisoner to discourage criminality and call for a halt in crime. Today I chose to take initiative and join the rest of South Africans in helping other people as part of celebrating the lives of Tata and encourage the youth to live a caring life," said Mr Mogase.
He further wished Madiba, who turns 91 today, a happy birthday. "I want to wish Nelson Mandela a happy birthday and I wish him many more years," said Mr Mogase, who is serving 15 years in jail for murder.
The prisoners are currently under Department of Correctional Services' community corrections and rehabilitation programme and are participating in the department's campaign aiming at reintegrating the prisoners back to their communities.
They were accompanied by Deputy Minister of Correctional Services, Hlengiwe Mkhize, and officials from the Nelson Mandela Children's Fund.
Deputy Minister Mkhize said government wanted to celebrate Tata Madiba's birthday by intensifying the campaign to highlight the plight of the vulnerable people particularly children, elderly, people with disabilities and the youth.
"We have heeded Tata's call that this is not a holiday, but a day dedicated to service that will improve the lives of people in the community.
"As we honor Madiba and celebrate his leadership and humanitarian legacy, I urge everyone to dedicate 67 minute of service to this great statesman, who is beacon of hope and prosperity by making a difference in our communities," she said.
