The notion that prisoners are receiving five star treatment is very far from the truth says national Corrections Commissioner Zach Modise. Speaking at a Grootvlei Prison outside of Bloemfontein, Modise said he would like to lock up a couple of teenagers for a few days and see if they think losing their freedom is a luxury.
Modise addressed ex-offenders and NGOs and religious organisations during a workshop. “Most of you (prisoners and ex-offenders) are smart and intelligent, what you need to do is discover your passion and potential, which can bring a difference to yourself and in your communities”, said Modise.
The session forms part of a series of conversations nationally. Benji Williams, a former prisoner and the founder of Second Chance Charity, spoke about the struggle of ex-offenders to reintegrate into communities.
“I am a specialist in crime because I committed a crime, but I also know how to break the chain of crime. Use us ex-offenders to teach others, do not judge us we already paid for our crimes in prison,” says Williams.
Modise says the DCS wants to establish halfway houses in the Free State and Northern Cape to help with the process of reintegrating ex-offenders into society.
Modise warned ex-offenders that some who end up without a place to call home might revert back to crime and to drugs at the slightest provocation and that is why Correctional Services wants to establish halfway houses in the Free State and Northern Cape.
He said even those who are not welcomed back by their families will find a place to rest their heads and make a fresh start at a better life.
-Jansie Malan
