The Deputy Minister of Correctional Services says rehabilitation programs in prisons can reduce gangsterism in jails nationwide.
Deputy Minister Thabang Makwetla says government has set aside more funding to introduce additional rehabilitation programs.
The programmes are aimed at providing inmates with post-prison skills.
A creative initiative, over 2000 loaves of bread have been baked since the project begun earlier this year.
St Albans prison has become the ninth facility nationwide to open a bakery were inmates benefit. 16 prisoners received special training to supply bread to about 6 000 inmates daily.
The plan is set to have massive savings, close to R2 million per annum.
Makwetla has also encouraged officials to invest in rehabilitation programs to reduce stabbings and gangsterism in prison.
St Albans prison made headlines in 2016 when three people were killed and 26 injured in a clash between prisoners and wardens.
“It is important through this project of this nature. We now have more opportunities for communities or inmates to be involved in production of the things in life, things they eat, life skills as Correctional Services as an organisation. They are doing these things themselves, they get skills when they leave here, they can be better and use skills they can rely on,” says Makwetla.
Inmates have what they are passionate about right here.
Mawethu Madoli an inmate says: “I am equipped with knowledge and skills. I know how to bake now and I can use such skill when I come out of prison.”
Khayalethu Vikilahle another inmate says: “I used to spend most of the time in cells but that has changed because I have found a passion and I love what I do here.”
This rehabilitation initiative will be introduced in prisons nationwide.
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