[ Home ] [ Speeches & statements ]

26 October 2007

Correctional Services Deputy Minister Loretta Jacobus appealed to the Upington community to accept rehabilitated ex-offenders back into the society for sustainable social re-integration and reduction of re-offending. This appeal was made by the Deputy Minister during an imbizo at the Upington Stadium today, 26 October 2007.

"Whilst we are not promoting any breaking of the law, and definitely not making excuses for crime, we want to appeal to the communities and private companies, to provide job opportunities to rehabilitated ex-offenders. It is very important that they are not stigmatised and marginalised by society. We need to embrace these former inmates to ensure that they take active part in the fight against crime," Deputy Minister Jacobus said.

The Deputy Minister's message followed reports of high re-offending rates in the four areas visited by Correctional Services during the Imbizo Focus Week which are Vanrhynsdorp, Calvinia, Springbok and Upington. Khara Hais Mayor Father Gift Van Staden acknowledged that crime is a major challenge in the area. He highlighted that the community of Khara Hais was facing high unemployment rates and poverty. These twin ills of society are believed to have contributed significantly to high rates of socio-economic crime like theft, as well as contact crimes like assault, rapes and murder, particularly against women and children.

A representative of the South African Police Services acknowledged that the levels of alcohol and drug abuse were very high in Upington with even those receiving social grants being prone to use the benefit for the purchase of alcoholic beverages instead of contributing to the well-being of their households. The representative of South Africa Police Service (SAPS) added that these circumstances contributed in higher levels of child and women abuse in the Khara Hais Municipal Area.

Farther Van Staden said good progress had been made in the implementation of development programmes in many areas while also acknowledging that the slow pace of development is a challenge in some areas. He said of about 80 000 residents of Khara Hais (including Upington) Municipality, over 90% of households have access to electricity while more have access to clean water.

Father Van Staden indicated that plans were at an advanced stage for the construction of a new hospital closer to the communities to increase hospital bed capacity from 184 to 250, a project set for completion in 2011.

Father Van Staden said challenges remain in the provision of low-cost houses due to a growing urban population caused by, among others, the migration of many people from surrounding rural areas and farms. He said the rural-urban migration placed a strain on the resources of the municipality, highlighting that the housing backlog is over 5 000 while only 500 houses could be built from the available budget of the municipality.

Responding to people's questions, Northern Cape MEC for Safety and Community Liaison, Ms T Madikane, urged communities to stop alcohol abuse particularly among children as the habits result in physical scars and unfit bodies for getting jobs.

About 200 people braved heavy rains and thunder storms in Upington today to place their development challenges and aspirations to the Deputy Minister of Correctional Services, MEC of Social Development, Mayor and Speaker of Khara Hais Municipality, National Commissioner of Correctional Services and representatives of Departments of Justice, Safety and Security as well as Health.

Challenges rose ranged from issues of unemployment, the criminal record of ex-offenders that inhibits employment chances, overcrowding, poor road conditions and poor service delivery.

Enquiries:
Manelisi Wolela
Cell: 083 626 0304

Simphiwe Xako
Cell: 083 634 8317

Issued by: Department of Correctional Services
26 October 2007