Iron Hearts giving back to Cradock
Sonia Wahl
An annual memorial run by the Iron Hearts Motorcycle Club of Graaff-Reinet recently took place in Cradock. This year they did things a little differently.
They decided to put the proceeds back into Cradock by raising funds to assist a young lady, Mila de Kock, who has lymphatic cancer. They were able to donate R20 000 towards her medical treatment.
They also placed a memorial wreath at the accident site of Plankies, a Cradock biker who died in an accident a week prior to the run. Pastor Jacobus van Mescht closed off the ceremony with a prayer.
The club thanks everyone who donated funds or items, bought a raffle ticket, took part in the auction, and who joined the event on the day.
For the club members, this special day was once again proof that a biker family are not only those who ride in one's club, but every biker who has the same heart.
PrisonDENT, established in 2018 as a non-profit organisation rooted in Gqebherha and Uitenhage, is dedicated to running innovative crime prevention programmes aimed at fostering community safety and preventing crime, with a particular focus on safer schools and proactive delinquency programmes. These initiatives are centered on two core areas: school-based crime prevention and prisoner education and reintegration. "Our Motivation, Inspiration, Education, and Demonstration (MIED) programmes in schools aim to prevent crime by educating and inspiring positive behavioural changes among learners," said Brian Davids, a motivational speaker and correctional officer at St Albans in Gqebherha.
The programme targets schools that face challenges such as gangsterism, bullying, vandalism, truancy, early pregnancy, alcohol and drug abuse, lack of school pride, and parental support deficiencies. The Safer Schools Programme by PrisonDENT is hailed as the legacy of Nelson Mandela, who was a shining example of leaving bitterness behind.
"We want to uplift universities and empty our prisons for a better South
Africa for all – not a bitter South Africa," emphasised Davids. PrisonDENT conducted programmes in Graaff-Reinet from 28 February to 1 March. They visited several schools, accompanied by Tada (Teenagers Against Drug Abuse) from Social Development, Graaff-Reinet Correctional Services and the police.
Eugene Mackelina, principal of Spandau Secondary School, was all praise for the programme. "It is a phenomenal programme that all schools or youth organisations should engage in. It is very positive," he said. Davids, a former student of Spandau Secondary School who became a correctional officer, is the founder of PrisonDENT. Described as an attraction with his distinctive orange and black suit, Davids has garnered interest from tourists and locals alike, sparking curiosity about his background and programme. PrisonDENT collaborates with other NGOs and businesses to strengthen community outreach and provide comprehensive support for crime prevention efforts.
The organisation aims to raise awareness about the importance of crime prevention and community safety through various outreach initiatives, campaigns and educational programmes. Contact
Gwenda Johannes on 082 568 1145 or email:gwenda@prisondent to arrange a visit to your school.
These initiatives are centered on two core areas: schoolbased crime prevention and prisoner education and reintegration.