The department’s main objective is to correct the offending behaviour through rehabilitation programmes that would benefit inmates upon release.
Mpho Maponya is one of many who benefited from these programmes. While he was serving his time in Kgosi Mampuru II; Mpho did the following courses to better himself upon release, Psychology, Anger Management, and HIV/Aids. After he served his six years behind bars he never looked back, today he is the founder and CEO of Bojwa Group a barbershop in Pretoria North. Mpho said that, although reintegration is possible, but some community members still struggle to accept former offenders back to communities
“When I came back to the community, the reception was mixed. At first, people were cautious and judgemental, so reintegration did not feel easy. But with the support structure that I have including my family, mentors, and some community members – helped me keep going.
But over the time, it got easier when I stayed consistent, followed rules, kept a routine, and showed real change through my actions. I learned that trust takes time, and I had to work harder to prove that I was serious about staying on the right path”
“Prison is not a nice place to be, it is hard there because you do not live your normal life, you do not do as you wish there, however if you have a positive mind and focus you will come back as a better person through rehabilitation programmes that are being offered”, he said. Mpho further said crime does not pay and he warned the youth to refrain from involving themselves in criminal activities.