31 Oct 2016

Life after prison has always been a challenge, when one has to face the society and move on with life on normal basis. But, to some ex-convicts it is a break through and the start of new beginnings to build a solid foundation on.

The 25-years-old Peloentle Sebolao of Botlhapapelo Ward in Kumakwane has seen lights in the misdeeds that made him spend almost five years behind bars and being transferred from prison to prison, Moshupa Boys Prison, Village and Mahalapye Prisons.

Sebolao says prison life has made him strong and groomed him into a responsible young man who has built passion for keeping rock doves even though he loved dairy farming while at prison.

He says he sells these doves as a way of putting food on table and sustains his family.

“I have always loved doves as a small boy, and as years went by that love grew into a serious hobby,” he said.

Today, he owns more than 50 doves, which remained after he sold some to buy chickens and goats.

Sebolao says it is a very easy task for him to take care of these doves, as he has already studied their survival, behavioural and environmental adaptation patterns.

He says one thing he likes about these birds is their love for playing with water; it provides a beautiful view to watch. He states that doves decorate his home early in the morning when they reach the ground to look for afternoon leftovers.

The self-motivated young man says keeping doves is very cheap for him since they feed on poultry feeds, plants and certain inserts on occasions.

Sebolao points out that doves unlike chickens have partners who exchange in taking care of their young ones called scrubs and their reproduction period is 21days.

“The business is doing well because people buy them for different reasons, such as for decorating in events and traditional healing among others,” he explains.

Business-minded as he is, his future plan is to rent these doves during events because he has realized that they add colour to events if they are well trained for that.

Sebolao, who is also a traditional dancer, encouraged other youth to refrain from bad behaviour and follow their dreams with passion and commitment. ENDS