RUSTENBURG HERALD - BOITEKONG - The Department of Correctional Services celebrated ‘Corrections Week’ from 15 to 21 September. Corrections Week is celebrated annually every September in order to promote awareness and understanding of the correctional system in South Africa.
The emphasis is on redirecting public perception in regard to the benefits of rehabilitating offenders versus punishment and highlighting the benefits of rehabilitation and effective social reintegration.
The celebration is also a call to action to remind all South Africans that corrections is a societal responsibility and that all citizens have a role to play in shaping a correctional system that reflects the country’s highest values.
To create awareness, Rustenburg Management Area successfully orchestrated outreach programmes/exhibitions at Boitekong and Brits Malls where Self-Sufficiency and Sustainability Projects (SSS) and offenders’ artworks were displayed to demonstrate the effectiveness of Skills Development Programmes offered to offenders during their incarceration.
By providing inmates with such skills, the Department is aiming at enhancing self-reliance, reducing reoffending and promoting successful reintegration for these offenders back into society.
The Programme also featured an array of activities to reach a broader audience through radio interviews that were held on local radio stations Mafisa FM, Kgatleng FM and Madibeng FM. Steered by Acting Area Coordinator Corrections, Ms Dorcas Dinoke, Losperfontein Case Management Committee (CMC), Mr Martin Mpyane and Mogwase Head Correctional Centre, Mr Lazarus Mogopodi, the interviews highlighted the meaning of Corrections Week, Offender Rehabilitation Path (ORP) and the role of Social Reintegration offices. The main priority was to redefine public perception, emphasising the value of rehabilitation and reintegration over punishment, and promoting a more holistic approach to justice. Rustenburg Area Commissioner, Ms. Dipolelo Mashumu, who was also in attendance at the exhibition held at Brits Mall, commended officials for their exceptional work in putting together ideas and running with the programme. “I appreciate your tireless efforts and commitment to excellence. I’m proud to lead such a passionate team. Thank you for making this program a resounding success. Your dedication is truly commendable,” said Mashumu.
During the exhibitions, the message to the public was loud and clear - community members should avoid stigmatising parolees, as this can hinder the rehabilitation process and have negative consequences.
