02 Oct 2025

The Anglican Church, Diocese of Botswana, has donated small business startup kits to ex-offenders in a move aimed at supporting their integration into society.

The startup packages, targeting ten ex-offenders, include manicure, bricklaying, upholstery, and carpentry, as well as Bibles for serving inmates. The Minister of Justice and Correctional Services, Mr Nelson Ramaotwana, when receiving the donations recently, said the partnership between the Botswana Prison Services and the church has been impactful.

He added that the gifts went a long way in breaking the cycle of re-offending and fostering long-term reintegration.

“The contribution is significant in ensuring effective rehabilitation and reintegration of offenders,” Mr Ramaotwana said.

“It highlights the vital role faith-based organisations play in restoring dignity, hope, and giving second chances to those seeking a new beginning,” he added.

Mr Ramaotwana emphasised that every ex-offender, regardless of their history or hardship, was worthy of a future and not defined by their past.

“Today, we celebrate a moment of liberation, not only from the bars of prison but from the unseen and often unspoken chains that linger long after release,” he said.

The minister noted that ex-offenders faced economic exclusion, social rejection, and systemic marginalisation, among other challenges. He added that reintegration was a transformation process rooted in the government’s commitment to a fair, more inclusive, and compassionate society.

Reverend Metlhayotlhe Beleme of the Anglican Church, Diocese of Botswana, said, in the midst of trials and tribulations, it was common to feel abandoned and despair, but he encouraged ex-offenders to always know they were not forgotten.

He encouraged them not to despair, citing examples from the gospel where God heard the poor, marginalised, and hopeless. The Commissioner of Botswana Prison Services, Mr Anthony Mokento, thanked the church for its role in integrating ex-offenders, a partnership that started in 2021.

He noted that the donation recipients were from different prison stations around the country and that out of the 200 ex-offenders released since 2021, fewer than 50 had repeated offenses. ENDS