12 Aug 2019

Ex-convicts have formed a society in Lobatse to collectively look for employment and business opportunities.

Mr Thatayaone Dikgang, who is the society’s leader, explained during a meeting with Lobatse Town Council leadership, that the aim of the society was to also provide members with a forum for sharing ideas to improve their lives and motivate one another.

Mr Dikgang pointed out that ex-convicts faced several challenges after leaving prison. The challenges included rejection from the society and being shunned by prospective employers.

He said having a recognised society would improve the prospect of the ex-convicts landing employment.

“Through the society, we want to engage with council and other stakeholders to offer us job opportunities, maybe projects, so that we can make a living,” Mr Dikgang said.  

Mr Segomotso Lubinda, who served an eight year jail time between 2006 and 2014 for being found in possession of a fire-arm, said they learnt skills such as carpentry, plumbing, brick-laying, painting and knitting in prison, which they could use to make a living and contribute meaningfully to the economy.

“I appeal to companies to stop shunning ex-convicts for employment because we have served our punishment and are also reformed citizens now. We face difficulties because the society labels us with the crimes we committed in the past,” he said.

Another member of the society, Mr Patrick Lekgetho said discrimination and non-acceptance by the society caused ex-convicts to commit crime again in order to survive. 

He said it was depressing when he was abandoned by his family and friends after being jailed for three years. 

Lobatse Town Council mayor, Ms Malebogo Kruger, commended the ex-convicts for their initiative and promised that LTC would consider the proposal to support the society. 

Ms Kruger said it was part of the responsibility of the leadership of Lobatse to help their community lead sustainable lives.  

“This is the reason why we have found it important to support the ex-convicts, to show them that the society accepts them and being ex-convicts should not disadvantage them in any way. We want them to do something productive and sustainable,” she said.

The mayor appealed to the community to help reintegrate ex-convicts back into the society without discriminating them. 

Motswedi Customary Court president, Mr Pepukae Makambe, advised the ex-convicts to learn from their mistakes and avoid relapsing into the life of crime. 

He urged them to avoid the victim mentality and do their best to convince the society that they have indeed reformed so that they are not judged by their past. 

“Your attitude will open opportunities for you. So it is important to associate with people who will give you good guidance,” he advised. ENDS