Conference to discuss the use of Ubuntu in rehabilitating prisoners

Pretoria - The National Heritage Council (NHC) and the Department of Correctional Services will be hosting a symposium which aims to integrate the values of Ubuntu into the department's Offender Rehabilitation Programme.

Gauteng offenders will on Thursday be given an opportunity to present their views to Correctional Services Minister Ngconde Balfour on how they think the Ubuntu campaign can assist them in becoming part of society after serving their sentences.

The event forms part of activities planned for Correctional Services Week launched last Friday.

The symposium will be attended by the National Commissioner, Ms Sibeko, and the outspoken Reverend Motlalepula Chabangu.

Delegates at the symposium will include heritage experts, academic intellectuals, ambassadors, community members and 200 offenders who will give their inputs and recommendations into programmes, in order for all of society to benefit from the implementation of the values of Ubuntu.

The offenders will also share with the public touching revelations and testimonies of successful reconciliations between victims and offenders.

The integration of the values of Ubuntu into the department's programme pilot project will be rolled out in the greater Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality, before being incorporated nationally.

This programme is part of the Ubuntu campaign of the NHC. - BuaNews