A group of ex-prisoners and correctional officials cleaned the Khogonyane Primary School's yard and cleared the wild bushes that had grown in the school's sport field, as part of a social reintegration programme on Saturday.

This came after the school management team at Khogonyane Primary contacted the Department of Correctional Services to provide urgent cleaning services to the school. “The school was given a short notice to start with preparations to host the cluster athletics on Tuesday, but we had no good sport field ready for the races,” said sports organiser, Mr Maanda Muofhe. “So we needed the help urgently.”

The head of the community correction facility in the Thohoyandou management area of the Department of Correctional Services, Mr Farisani Mulaudzi, coordinated the cleaning project. He said that the department had adopted the school last year, when they promised the school that they would always be available to assist them when it was needed.

“We don't want to hear of cases where our children are bitten by snakes, because there are no safe play grounds for them,” Muladzi said. “We do this kind of work free of charge. Our rehabilitated parolees are always ready to do the job.”

Mulaudzi explained that they do not only work in schools. “Our cleaning and other services are extended to chiefs kraals, clinics and community crèches,” he said.

An ex-prisoner, Mr Stanley Mulaudzi, who is continuing with his studies at a further education and training institution in the district, indicated that he finds joy and peace of mind in the knowledge that he is contributing to the pupil's safety.

“I take this opportunity to encourage the learners of this and other schools in Vhembe to take education seriously by studying hard,” said Mulaudzi.