Prison skills come handy
Boksburg prison trains inmates in various courses
When Motlatsi Mokwane leaves Boksburg Prison next month, the world will be his to conquer.
The 30-year-old from Moletsane, Soweto, is serving 13 years for robbery, a crime he committed after dropping out of school. He was in Grade 10 at the time.
Now Mokwane is among a group of 20 inmates who have graduated in screen printing at the prison in Ekurhuleni.
“I started by stealing small change at home, then shoplifting and house robberies.
“For several years, my cases would be withdrawn in court and I thought I could always get away with it,” said Mokwane who no longer stayed at home.
When he realised that there was no walking free from the last case, he admitted to his crime and had a separate trial from his co-accused who pleaded not guilty.
“I never told my family after I was arrested. I only informed them two years later, but they never gave up on me.”
With a passion for graphic designing, Mokwane wants to register his own company.
The Printing Federation of South Africa ran a 10-day programme at the prison.
The participants were also equipped with entrepreneurial skills.
“I was selected to be part of the group to be trained in screen printing. I was delighted for such a great opportunity to expand my knowledge.
“I design flyers and certificates for correctional services and I believe I can make it when I leave this place,” Mokwane added.
Another inmate Benjamin Mondlana, 43, from Bushbuckridge in Mpumalanga, said the course had equipped him with skills such as colour coordination and creating images using different types of fabric.
Mondlana has been in prison for 12 years and expects to be released in 71 days.
He is left with three modules on his BCom degree at the University of South Africa.
He also holds a certificate in investment analysis and portfolio management.