Man to man talk between GPL amadoda and juvenile offenders

Nie Cele

Tana Malinga

In a drive to tackle social ills head-on, create paragons of moral rectitude and promoting good behavior in society, Gauteng Provincial Legislature (GPL) men’s forum recently visited juvenile offenders incarcerated at Emthonjeni Juvenile Correctional Centre, Baviaanspoort (Tshwane).

Organizers’ said the visit was part of the GPL’s men’s month commemoration, celebrated under the theme “Asikhulume njengamadoda”- a call to action for for GPL men to engage fellow men on challenges facing them, their families and society at large; while also contributing towards raising a community of responsible men.

It was also revealed that GPL envisages the Men’s forum to continue contributing a positive change to the community through; running educational programs and campaigns on relevant gender equality issues; participating in Citizens Responsibility Campaigns; organizing empowerment sessions on health, financial wellbeing and responsible behavior.

At the Centre Mike Madlala, GPL Chairperson of Committees explained to the packed hall the role played by the Legislature stressing that as parliamentarians they want to ensure that members of the public participate in what they do.

“We came to you because in no time you will be men. Madoda in nature are supposed to have power, But gradually Madoda ruined and finished our power.

“We did all the wrong things and our standing in society has deteriorated.”

Madlala also pointed out that most prisons are full of men.

“Men are very reserved and self centered but most of the times have secrets yet they want to impress.

“As Madodas at the Legislature we teach each other the do’s and don’t’s.”

He also received a round of applause when he said with tongue in cheek that a man will never approach another man and tell him that his penis was malfunctioning.

On the sidelines, Nareth Momoza, Head of that Correctional Centre told this publication that these offenders will never get direction if they are not motivated by fathers.

“We cannot do correction alone. We need society to assist us hence we are saying correction is a societal responsibility.

We urge them to continue the relationship with the offenders because some of them don’t have fathers and parents in the lives, She said.”

Momoza also urged the society at large to donate soccer balls, toiletry for the offenders who don’t have parents and also argued that funding for their studies was also a big challenge for them.

One 20 year old remorseful offender who is serving 12 years for double murder told this publication that he regrets what happened.

“Crime does not pay,” he said.

Did you know?

• Emthonjeni Correctional Centre houses juveniles aged 14 to 21 years old and forms part of the Correctional Services initiatives to provide therapeutic and rehabilitation services to Juvenile Offenders in conflict with the law coming from all communities.
• Emthonjeni Correctional Centre houses a total 348 offenders and is the only medium youth centre in Gauteng.