DUANE PETRUS
Parolees from the Grootvlei Correctional Centre in Bloemfontein received various equipment today to help kickstart their entrepreneurial ventures.
The equipment was handed to parolees who acquired various skills through development programmes provided by the correctional facility.
Welding machines, wheelbarrows, sewing machines and equipment to run a car wash business were handed them.
Pumla Mathibela from the Department of Correctional Services says the NGO New Life After Prison started this initiative in Johannesburg.
A total of 21 parolees from the Free State and Northern Cape will benefit from this initiative, with inmates from Kimberley receiving their equipment tomorrow.
Mathibela says these aspiring entrepreneurs will be monitored to see the progress they make with their businesses.
“The businesses will be monitored during normal parole visits by correctional officers while they will be checking up on parolees,” said Mathibela.
The programme was initiated to help struggling parolees who have acquired these skills but can’t afford to buy the equipment after serving their sentences.
