Aiming for fewer people behind bars

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GRAAFF- REINET NEWS & VIDEO - PrisonDENT, established in 2018 as a non-profit organisation rooted in Gqebherha and Uitenhage, is dedicated to running innovative crime prevention programmes aimed at fostering community safety and preventing crime, with a particular focus on safer schools and proactive delinquency programmes.

These initiatives are centered on two core areas: school-based crime prevention and prisoner education and reintegration.

"Our Motivation, Inspiration, Education, and Demonstration (MIED) programmes in schools aim to prevent crime by educating and inspiring positive behavioural changes among learners," said Brian Davids, a motivational speaker and correctional officer at St Albans in Gqebherha.

PrisonDENT visting Ryneveld Primary school. Photos: Neco Bokwe

"We want to uplift universities and empty our prisons for a better South Africa for all – not a bitter South Africa," emphasised Davids.

PrisonDENT conducted programmes in Graaff-Reinet from 28 February to 1 March. They visited several schools, accompanied by Tada (Teenagers Against Drug Abuse) from Social Development, Graaff-Reinet Correctional Services and the police.

PrisonDENT visiting Asherville Secondary school.

The programme targets schools that face challenges such as gangsterism, bullying, vandalism, truancy, early pregnancy, alcohol and drug abuse, lack of school pride, and parental support deficiencies. The Safer Schools Programme by PrisonDENT is hailed as the legacy of Nelson Mandela, who was a shining example of leaving bitterness behind.

VIDEO: Ryneveld have a fun moment with PrisonDENT

Eugene Mackelina, principal of Spandau Secondary School, was all praise for the programme. "It is a phenomenal programme that all schools or youth organisations should engage in. It is very positive," he said.

Davids, a former student of Spandau Secondary School who became a correctional officer, is the founder of PrisonDENT. Described as an attraction with his distinctive orange and black suit, Davids has garnered interest from tourists and locals alike, sparking curiosity about his background and programme. PrisonDENT collaborates with other NGOs and businesses to strengthen community outreach and provide comprehensive support for crime prevention efforts.

Sergeant Zukisani Rala talking to the children about prison life and how to not get involved in illegal activities. The organisation aims to raise awareness about the importance of crime prevention and community safety through various outreach initiatives, campaigns and educational programmes.