Rome was not built in a day

MOSSEL BAY NEWS - Rehabilitation is a societal responsibility.

This was the sentiment echoed by all at an imbizo hosted by die Department of Correctional Services last week in the KwaNonqaba community hall.

Various stakeholders participated in the imbizo and addressed the community.

Members of community corrections specifically, explained the processes and responsibilities involving probationers. It was reiterated that parole is a privilege and not a right, meaning that those serving time have to commit to working for this privilege.

This includes attending the compulsory programmes presented in correctional centres. Thirteen programmes are presented as part of the rehabilitation process to prepare sentenced criminals for their successful return and integration into society upon their release.

Chairmen of the KwaNonqaba and Da Gamaskop community policing forums made several valid points and raised concerns on behalf of their communities.

Edgar Ntebe, chair of the KwaNonqaba CPF, said members of the community should be more involved in the parole board meetings to give their input regarding the release of criminals.

He said the CPF would benefit from having a list of those released as they could them help manage risk and also support the families and the probationers where needed. Ntebe said probationers should be brought to meet community leaders for the sake of mentoring them during their integration process.

Linden Baker of the Da Gamaskop CPF said that often, the community was not supportive of probationers in terms of giving them a second chance.

Due to judgmental attitudes, this contributed to crime simply perpetuating. He also said families and care givers of probationers should refrain from protecting them when they were veering off track. They should rather alert officials, organisations and groups that could step in and help before it was too late.

A spokesperson from the KwaNonqaba police implored the community not to judge probationers falsely. He said it often happened that probationers were assaulted by community members because of false accusations. He urged the community to care for probationers by trusting them with small jobs to do. Thus, they earned money, trust and self value was instilled, while the tendency to do crime is curbed.

Terence Barnardo from the Department of Labour and Employment made a positive contribution explaining what the department can offer in in terms of helping job seekers. He offered an open invitation to probationers to make use of the systems and processes available.

The department, unbeknown to many, also offers employment counselling to job seekers, he said.

Nomboniso Jika, manager at the Thusong Centre referred to four projects facilitated by the centre already accommodating probationers' integration. She said the main purpose of their projects were sustainability and partnerships. Jika said success lay in partnering and combining resources.

In closing, the Department of Correctional Services area commissioner, Ndileka Booi, thanked all the department's partners and stakeholders. She said convicted criminals could not stay with the department indefinitely.

"Rome was not built in a day. We have a shared responsibility," she concluded.

The meeting was well attended despite the cold and saw the KwaNonqaba community hall filled to capacity.