Ex-offenders in Vhembe who were released from prison - some on parole - received a new lease on life when they were given tools and machinery to start their own businesses.

Six  inmates received sewing machines, welding machines, scaffolding and other building tools to assist them in setting up their own businesses. The tools and machinery were donated by a non-profit organisation, New Life After Prison Community Forum.

The tools, which were handed over in conjunction with Correctional Services and traditional leaders in the area, was held at the Bosasa Youth Centre  in Malamulele on Friday. The chairperson of the organisation, Pastor Ndikandafhi  Makhuvha, said after a careful study, they found out that prisoners were left on their own after their release from prison. This also made them very vulnerable to temptations that could land them back in jail again.

“We felt we should stand up and do something that would benefit the ex-prisoners and the community at large. Prisoners need care and guidance after their release and this is where we come in,” he said.

He said the skills they  had acquired in  prison could help them generate an income. Beides giving them the tools, the organisation will also engage the office of the President with a view that their bad records be removed, for them to stand a chance to get employment.

He urged communities to welcome the prisoners and not to label them. He also appealed to communities to make use of the skills that they had and to give them jobs.

A traditional leader, Hosi Bohani Eddie Shigamane, hailed the initiative as a positive step towards the eradication of crime.

One of the recipients, Vitus Manwadu, said they would make use of the chance afforded them after their release from prison. “We thank God for having touched the hearts of people like New Life after Prison, who thought of us."