“Substance abuse is the silent killer and it is everybody's responsibility to fight against it.” Those were the words of an ex-offender, Mr Ernest Chabalala when he was addressing hundreds of inmates at the Makhado Correctional Centre recently.

“I was inside the prison just like you and served my sentence,” he said. “All I can say is to encourage you to behave yourself and stay away from substances once you are release from jail. You need to lead a sober life and take good care of your families and prove that you can be responsible men.”

The offenders had a privileged of receiving a motivation and education on the fight against substance abuse.

“We found out that most of the offenders commit crime under the influence of alcohol and drugs,” said the head of the correctional centre, Mr Sekopelo Ndou. “When we talk about substance abuse we talk of the abuse of alcohol, marijuana and drugs.”

The event was graced by the delegates from New Life after Prison, Songozwi Victim Empowerment and Department of Social Development.

The supervisor social worker, Ms Tshimangadzo Mabasa, said that the campaign was also aimed at preventing criminality by elimnating all contributing agencies such as the abuse of alcohol and drugs among offenders. “W want to prevent the re-offending and violation of parole conditions due to substance abuse because you can find out that the offender was given the parole and he or she violate the parole through substance abuse.”

Department of Social Development's Lawrence Ndhukwane, said: “Substance abuse destroys your family and other people's lives through your acts. So, stay out of alcohol and drugs. When you are released, we want the community to see the changed person.”

He emphasised that it was never too late to change. “For you to be here in prison it does not mean that you are dead; you still have the chance to change and be a better person,” he said.