College of Law
Reintegrating female parolees and probationers into the community
The College of Law, in collaboration with the Department of Correctional Services (DCS) and the Thandanani Drop Inn Centres, recently hosted an outreach as part of the engaged scholarship project, Tshokollo ya Setshabeng, to investigate the reintegration of female parolees and probationers into the community. The event, held at the Rethabile Community Hall in Mamelodi, had as its theme "Vuka Uyibambe", which translates to "Get up and grab it".
Unisa staff with some of the participants
The mission of the Tshokollo ya Setshabeng project is to inspire change in public perceptions of offenders’ capacity to reintegrate into communities as law-abiding citizens successfully. Prof Kevin Sibanyoni and Dr Francois Louw outlined the day's purpose, where they emphasised self-empowerment and reminded the attendees that their past does not define them. They distributed appreciation gifts to the female parolees and probationers – a small gesture conveying a significant message that they are valued and supported.
Monelle Moodley, from Empowerment Through Business, delivered a presentation on the business skills and processes needed to develop a business plan. She encouraged the parolees to investigate possibly starting their own businesses and becoming their own bosses.
Monelle Moodley
Dr Reshoketswe Leshilo of the Kalafong Psychiatric Unit spoke on the topic of mental health awareness, focusing on aspects of self, financial, physical and recreational care, as well as the dangers of substance abuse. She advised attendees not to wait until they became ill but to start exercising and caring for their health immediately.
Morwesi Theledi
Overcoming a ten-year prison sentence
The motivational speaker, Morwesi Theledi, shared her story of incarceration and how it kick-started her personal transformation. Despite facing a ten-year prison sentence while pregnant, she chose to turn her life around, pursue an education, and eventually become a successful actress and businesswoman. Her story encourages women to break down barriers and not let their past define them. Her closing line, "My name is Morwesi Theledi, I was a prisoner," was a powerful reminder that our past does not dictate our future.
Theledi has appeared in the local television series, Muvhango, and is currently an influencer on social media.
* By Ngwako Mokgotho, Communications and Marketing Specialist, CLAW, and the Tshokollo ya Setshabeng team
Publish date: 2024/06/03
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