A former inmate at the Thohoyandou Correctional Centre, Mr Edward Mashaba, made an impassioned plea to government and community to give ex-offenders a second chance when they are released from prison.

Mashaba, who hails from Levubu and served 10 years in prison, gave a moving testimony during the social reintegration campaign by the community correction section of the correctional services. The event, attended by different stakeholders, included among others, justice, SAPS, Nicro, Sanco, Vuwani Correctional Services Forum, traditional leaders, a ward councillor and community members. It was held at Vuwani Town Hall on Thursday.

Stakeholders had the opportunity to make their contributions and also to ask questions.

Kenneth Muleba, the Assistant Director at Community Corrections, said it had become necessary for them as correctional services to interact with different stakeholders in order to make them aware of how they work and for them to give their own inputs as to how things should be run in dealing with ex-offenders.

“We have a mandate to look after offenders, correct them while in prison and, when they are released, we should work out the best way to assist ex-prisoners, to make the best of their lives after their release. This is a mammoth task, and we feel we will not succeed alone. We need all stakeholders to come on board," he said.

He said ex-prisoners had a negative stigma that seemed to follow them even after serving their sentences, which should be gotten rid of. “Prisoners are people like ourselves. They have made their mistakes but paid their dues in prison. Let us regard them as reformed beings and help reintergrate them into society. It is our responsibility as a community to see this programme succeeding. Together, we can always do more,” he said.

Speaking at the function, Mashaba said when he went to prison in 2000, he did not even have matric, but worked hard and came out with several qualifications. “I did not even see the big 2000 floods as I was sentenced in that year. Ten years later, I am outside and having to face a lot of challenges,” he said. He said there were difficult times in prison and he did not enjoy a moment of his stay there.

“I am celebrating my freedom since I was released last year, and one thing that I realized in prison is that the best way to achieve a better life is through education. That is why I decided to study part time, and I am proud to tell you that I now have matric and many qualifications,” he said.

“Give us encouragement; as ex-offenders, we have much to offer our communities. We have paid our dues,” he said.

Mashaba is presently employed as a human resource manager for a security company.

Pastor David Ramusandiwa, the deputy chairperson of the Vhembe Parole Board, called on all stakeholders to join hands in the reintegration of ex-offenders.