MOSSEL BAY NEWS - Correctional Services officials on Friday, 24 January, made it clear they were putting their faith and principles into practice, by donating school uniforms to 100 learners, representing three local schools.
The handover was conducted at Imekhaya Primary School. Imekhaya, Ridgeview and Great Brak River primary schools were the beneficiaries this year.
In addressing the learners on Friday, Department of Correctional Services area commissioner, Ndileka Booi explained the initiative to the learners.
“As a department, we have the directive to assist schools. That is why offenders are deployed to do repair work at schools. It is part of ploughing back into a community that they have wronged through their actions.”
She said buying school uniforms was an initiative by the officials to help learners in need. “We want you to wear these uniforms and go to school bravely. Everyday.”
Regional commissioner, Delekile Klaas, in his keynote address, said that the initiative was but one of the ways in which the Department of Correctional Services helped to prevent crime.
Correctional Services regional commissioner Delekile Klaas with a learner from Ridgeview Primary School.
“Only through proper education can we curb crime. These young people in front of me today will become the police officers and Correctional Services officials of the future. We have yet to see the next president of South Africa come from Mossel Bay.”
He reiterated: “This is not about giving you gifts; it is about fighting crime and building a safer South Africa for all.”
Correctional Services officials contribute towards this annual donation from their own pockets.
Social worker at the Mossel Bay Youth Centre, Catherine Herling with one of the recipients from Imekhaya Primary School. Photos: Cornelle Carstens
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