Bemused learners watched as several men dressed in orange overalls and with their hands and feet chained marched into Eastville Primary on Monday 9 March.
They looked like prisoners but the overalls bore the stamp “x prisoner” and was part of a display that preceded a talk by the former inmates on what awaits those who get lured to a life of crime.
“They spoke about what life was like; their mind was not their own. The decisions they made were not their own because when they joined a gang, they were told when to sit, when to stand, how to move, how not to move, when to talk, when not to keep quiet — nothing they did was of their own accord,” said Sandy Schuter, the Strandfontein Community Police Forum (CPF) chair who is supporting Mitchells Plain Police Station pending a hearing of the suspended Mitchells Plain CPF.
She added that the men told the learners that their lives were controlled by gang business which led them nowhere.
Unchained
“But since they left the life of gangs, they have been unshackled from that and set free,” Schuter said.
The session concluded with the men being freed from their chains as they sang religious songs of praise.
“The morning was absolutely powerful,” Schuter said. “I hope the young people listening took heed of what was being told to them. For too long, our communities have been shackled by gangs and drugs.”
To see a video of their talk, click here: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/185miZiejo/
Outreach
The visit was arranged by Jehovah Jireh Community Outreach Ministries, police and the Mitchells Plain Sub District CPF.
“The team met with learners who face daily challenges, walking past hotspots and exposed to unsavory sights that threaten to lure them into a life of crime. But the team brought a message of hope, sharing life experiences and stories of resilience to inspire the youth to choose a different path,” Schuter said.
She said the goal of the visit was to “mirror a different path – one that shows our children what not to do, and where not to go”.
“We see them as examples of where and what we shouldn’t do, so we don’t end up where they have,” Schuter added. “Our children have the opportunity to switch gears and steer into a direction that brings positive change in their lives.”
Changing trajectories
Cecil Isaacs of Jehovah Jireh Community Outreach Ministries shared the NGO’s story: “We’ve been running for 17 years, starting with a feeding project in Lentegeur. We saw a dire need – too many young men dying, being buried due to gang violence. As parents, we felt we needed to do more.”
However, Isaacs said the organisation’s success was helping children to change their trajectory.
“Our achievements are in helping children overcome challenges and providing after-care intervention,” Isaacs said.
Schuter said that the sub-district had many positive stories that were “unfolding”.
“We should be punting the good things happening within our community, our children’s achievements,” Schuter said. “Instead of glorifying gangs, let’s inspire our youth with everyday heroes – neighborhood watch leaders, victim support members, and ordinary people feeding the needy.”
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