By Barry Bateman
Emthonjeni, a Zulu word meaning fountain, signifies new beginnings and the bringing of life.
At a facility east of Pretoria, these are new beginnings for youngsters who have gone off the tracks and are trying to start afresh leaving behind lives of violent crime and depravity.
The Emthonjeni Juvenile Centre at the Baviaanspoort prison complex is home to 517 young offenders aged between 14 and 21 who are serving sentences of between 10 days and as many years.
'He will follow that throughout his stay' The centre's assistant director, Silvia Masokameng, said their aim was simple: "To rehabilitate and correct the offender's behaviour so they can become better people and be accepted back into communities."
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But it is fraught with challenges that require extensive programmes to address deviant behaviour that will transform offenders into productive citizens. "Our programmes prepare them to stand on their own. We don't want them back."
Senior correctional officer Vuyisile Majija, who is in charge of skills development, said when an offender arrives, a sentence plan is drawn up.
"He will follow that throughout his stay at the facility. We conduct a comprehensive assessment of the offender and determine which path is best for them.
"That could be either going back to school or starting in one of the many programmes," he said.
'We encourage education, it is not compulsory' The centre gives offenders the chance to complete their schooling, study for a trade qualification, take adult basic education, or become qualified in several trades such as electronics, bricklaying or catering.
About 150 of the inmates go to the school, which teaches grades 10 through 12.
"We obtained two distinctions last year," said Majija.
He spoke proudly of their library. "We get books from the regional library and we buy some with our own funds.
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