Ex-offenders help steer kids away from crime
Ex-offenders who have now dedicated their lives to steering young people to the right path gave inspirational talks at primary and high schools around Komani this week.
The integrated programme, which started last week, was organised by the Mlungisi police station sector crime forum and sub-structures in conjunction with the Mlungisi community policing forum (CPF) and the department of correctional service.
Community policing forum member Vusumzi Njoli said: “This is a campaign to educate children that crime does not pay. The input that these exoffenders are bringing is very fruitful and as a result we can see change in some children’s behaviour.”
Businessman and author Phikolomzo Jomo Jaxa, who founded Bavumele Trading Enterprise and Youth Motivation after serving 11 years for gang rape at the age of 18, preached that going to prison was not an option, ande speaking out was the solution.
“It is better when they hear it from the horse’s mouth. When you stand in front of scholars telling them about unacceptable behaviour, you have to talk about something you have experienced. I was arrested at the same age as them, still at school, and I served my time.
“A person can change in order to inspire and motivate others,” said Jaxa. He is currently working on his third book and continues to advocate for a crime-free society.
Another speaker, Vusumzi Sibara, who spent 10 years behind bars, said it was his duty to shape young people’s minds and moral behaviour.
He was arrested on charges of murder, kidnapping and conspiracy to steal. While serving his time, he involved himself in effective rehabilitation programmes.
Sibara is currently pursuing his academic career and will soon graduate in theology.
Edlelweni Primary School principal Zukisani Sondlo emphasised the importance of introducing such programmes in schools, highlighting that children from the age of 11 could be easily influenced as a result of their backgrounds.
“This programme is eyeopening because the speakers are relaying their real-life experiences. When children are exposed to an awareness campaign such as this one, they have the potential of changing their ways of thinking.”