In December 2015, 10 parolees were given short-term cleaning jobs as part of the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP). Details of that pilot project are available here.   

In the latest instalment, 50 parolees have been employed through the Expanded Public Works Programme since mid-March and will continue until the end of the City’s financial year (end of June). A total of R567 833 has been allocated for the project.

Participants are performing cleaning duties at police stations, schools, old-age homes and non-governmental organisations, among others. They work under the supervision of Correctional Services staff and are also required to attend the Correctional Services rehabilitation and reintegration programme with their respective social workers.

‘It is tough turning over a new leaf when you leave prison, because all too often you return to the very circumstances that led you there in the first place. We’re trying to break that cycle by providing opportunities to individuals that will hopefully alter their life path,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Social Development and Early Childhood Development, Councillor Suzette Little.

The objectives include helping parolees to:

‘From the City’s side, an initiative like this is crucial in respect of our efforts to prevent people from migrating to the streets. Even though parolees have paid their debt, many of them struggle to reclaim their place in society because of existing stigma and attitudes towards people with a criminal record and, as a result, some end up on the street. We’re hoping that this initiative will reduce that risk and give individuals a hand up instead,’ added Councillor Little.

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Note to broadcasters: audio clips are available for download

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