On Thursday 20 November, at the onset of International Restorative Justice Week and the imminent 16 Days of Activism Against Abuse of Women and Children, a group of murderers will be escorted by the Department of Correctional Services to Alexandra SAPS Hall in order to give the community an opportunity to enter into a rare dialogue that was recently initiated between the murderers and a woman whose father was murdered in a hijacking.
The same event will happen on 26 November when the same perpetrators are escorted to the Naledi SAPS Hall in Soweto.
The sensational dialogue that began in private within the premises of Leeuwkop Correctional Centre is referred to as a Victim Impact Panel by Restorative Justice (RJ) practitioners and was facilitated by RJ specialists from Khulisa, a leading non governmental organization dedicated to preventing crime throughout South Africa.
During this Victim Impact panel, the daughter of the murdered hijack victim was given an opportunity to confront the three convicted murderers, together with two other men convicted of attempted murder and another of armed robbery. She shared with them the consequences of their crimes to her, her family, their friends and their neighbours. This dialogue is part of a process of healing for her after her father was murdered a few years ago.
Members of the Alexandra and Naledi community will also be given the opportunity to participate in this rare event of sharing, healing and learning by hearing feedback from the two parties and go a step further towards learning how to build a restorative community.
Head of Khulisa’s Restorative Justice Department, George Lai Thom, explains, “Restorative Justice (RJ) offers a holistic alternative to judicial systems that incarcerate offenders and often ignore victims' need for reparation and closure. In the interests of seeking true closure for these victims, offenders are asked to take responsibility, to be accountable and to be willing to make things as right as possible.
Khulisa’s Restorative Justice, Peacemaking and Conflict Resolution Department has facilitated over 4500 custodial and court-based cases in South Africa over the last five years.
Many victims report back feeling a decrease in fear after having seen the face and heard the story of an offender who might one day be released. The family of crime victims benefit from sharing their personal experience directly with the offenders. Often they also want to know the inner thoughts of offenders in order to get closure”.
Lai Thom explains further that, “The Victim Impact Panel offers an opportunity for those surviving a crime to give offenders hell for the damage they caused. In some cases this results in them being able to release the burden of anger and bitterness they feel and find sorely needed closure. They are asked to tell offenders what they’ve experienced and how they feel having gone through a Criminal Justice System that in many instances, left them doubly victimized because closure and reparation were never completed. Often they explain how they feel re-traumatised by the denial of the offenders.”
Lai Thom explains furthermore, that “Offenders who go through this process describe feeling shocked at the far-reaching effects and human costs of their actions. It’s hard for us to grasp, but they’ve never heard what the survivors of a crime have to say so explicitly”, he says. “They also experience a sense of closure and appreciate the opportunity for repentance and having a say in making things right.”
Lai Thom adds, “Our wish is that these two communities are strengthened by their participation in such an event where they have been given an opportunity to be connected in problem solving rather than feeling disempowered.
Khulisa is an award-winning national non governmental organization which has touched the lives of hundreds of thousands of South Africans since 1997 by preventing crime through promoting rehabilitation, education and reconciliation. It currently operates throughout South Africa, implementing innovative education, leadership, skills training and personal development programmes. Khulisa promotes reconciliation and reintegration in all aspects of its work.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Silence the Violence Graduation, Phoenix
For the Silence The Violence graduation of 2008, the graduates were taken to out for the day to the Cutty Sark hotel and resort or a day of fun and work. To show the graduates how, through teamwork, more can be accomplished, the squares puzzle game was used. This taught them the importance of teamwork. The graduates were all given certificates to show their accomplishment of completing the programme.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
CITY OF JO’BURG SILENCES THE VIOLENCE
Date: 29 October 2008
Venue: Barnato Park High School, cnr Beatrice and Barnato Strs, Berea
Time: 14:00 – 17:00
Guest speakers confirmed:Chief of Police for the JMPD, Chris Ngcobo; the programme manager for Jo’burg’s City Safety Programme, Nazira Cachalia; as well as Barbara Holtmann, leader of crime prevention research for the Centre for Scientific and Industrial Research.
Word count: 681
The City of Jo’burg will be graduating a group of 278 learners after their participation in an innovative behaviour change programme designed to strengthen youth development in the City and curb violent behavior levied at themselves and others.
According to Dr Marelize Schoeman, senior Criminology professor at UNISA, who carried out pre and post implementation research on the programme, violent behavior is identified by aggressive verbal, emotional and physical acts carried out in conflict situations, including abusing substances, bullying and name calling.
Sixteen of these 278 learners will graduate at Banato Park High school tomorrow, 29 October, at a ceremony with a keynote address by MMC for Public Safety, Councillor Thomas Phakathi.
Other guest speakers will include Chief of Police for the Johannesburg Metro Police Department, Chris Ngcobo; the programme manager for Jo’burg’s City Safety Programme, Nazira Cachalia; as well as Barbara Holtmann, leader of crime prevention research for the Centre for Scientific and Industrial Research.
In August this year, the City commissioned national NGO Khulisa Crime Prevention Initiative to analyze the developmental needs of identified learners in seven schools within three of its regions and evaluate a suitable programme to meet these needs. Based on this research, the programme called “Silence the Violence”, was selected for implementation. The schools were selected by social workers from the Department of Community Development, as well as the South African Police Service, who were asked to recommend the schools which had a history of learners involved in some form of violent behaviour, towards themselves or towards others.
Silence the Violence takes participants on a journey of self-discovery in which they become aware of the extent and origins of their own violence, and introduces effective, non-violent alternatives. The programme illustrates how violence (physical, emotional and verbal) is ingrained in culture and belief systems and how it emerges in daily interactions. Participants learn practical ways to minimise violent behaviour. It aims to empower participants to restore themselves and develop the skills to restore other relationships. As part of this programme, participants confront their violent self and discover their original or true self through a series of facilitated therapeutic techniques.
Dr Schoeman’s research found that the programme heightened participants’ awareness of what constitutes violence and infringements of human rights, and their increased their sense of hope at being able to direct their life in a positive manner.
For the last three years, The City’s Department of Community Development, together with the City’s Safety Programme has focused strongly on youth development through its youth strategy as well as its city safety strategy and commissioned specialist service providers to research and address the needs of Youth-at-Risk. Youth that were previously identified by the Department of Community Development and the South African Police Service.
Banato Park High school, together with New Nation High school, also in Region F, were selected because some of the learners enrolled there are sheltered nearby and considered vulnerable, especially to substance abuse. The programme was run during their scheduled Life Orientation lessons.
MMC for Public Safety, Councillor Thomas Phakathi says, “This has been a significant project because it’s clear that the learners who have benefitted from this programme have made some amazing shifts in their attitudes and behaviour. These learners now have the tools to make better informed decisions about the kind of life they want they want to pursue. This project forms part of the city’s broader focus on youth because we realize the youth are a vulnerable group and need assistance and support.”
Yashina Pillay, Gauteng Area manager for Khulisa, says “Evidence from throughout South Africa reveals that children and youth are increasingly both perpetrating and becoming victims to crime and violence. This has a profound effect on the development of young people as well-adapted, healthy and socialized individuals who can positively contribute towards society. Recognising this trend within its own boundaries, City of Jo’burg had the foresight to address the cause and not just the symptoms of violent behaviour.”
Dr Schoeman has recommended that support systems should be established in the schools and appeals made to the public for donation of services.
Venue: Barnato Park High School, cnr Beatrice and Barnato Strs, Berea
Time: 14:00 – 17:00
Guest speakers confirmed:Chief of Police for the JMPD, Chris Ngcobo; the programme manager for Jo’burg’s City Safety Programme, Nazira Cachalia; as well as Barbara Holtmann, leader of crime prevention research for the Centre for Scientific and Industrial Research.
Word count: 681
The City of Jo’burg will be graduating a group of 278 learners after their participation in an innovative behaviour change programme designed to strengthen youth development in the City and curb violent behavior levied at themselves and others.
According to Dr Marelize Schoeman, senior Criminology professor at UNISA, who carried out pre and post implementation research on the programme, violent behavior is identified by aggressive verbal, emotional and physical acts carried out in conflict situations, including abusing substances, bullying and name calling.
Sixteen of these 278 learners will graduate at Banato Park High school tomorrow, 29 October, at a ceremony with a keynote address by MMC for Public Safety, Councillor Thomas Phakathi.
Other guest speakers will include Chief of Police for the Johannesburg Metro Police Department, Chris Ngcobo; the programme manager for Jo’burg’s City Safety Programme, Nazira Cachalia; as well as Barbara Holtmann, leader of crime prevention research for the Centre for Scientific and Industrial Research.
In August this year, the City commissioned national NGO Khulisa Crime Prevention Initiative to analyze the developmental needs of identified learners in seven schools within three of its regions and evaluate a suitable programme to meet these needs. Based on this research, the programme called “Silence the Violence”, was selected for implementation. The schools were selected by social workers from the Department of Community Development, as well as the South African Police Service, who were asked to recommend the schools which had a history of learners involved in some form of violent behaviour, towards themselves or towards others.
Silence the Violence takes participants on a journey of self-discovery in which they become aware of the extent and origins of their own violence, and introduces effective, non-violent alternatives. The programme illustrates how violence (physical, emotional and verbal) is ingrained in culture and belief systems and how it emerges in daily interactions. Participants learn practical ways to minimise violent behaviour. It aims to empower participants to restore themselves and develop the skills to restore other relationships. As part of this programme, participants confront their violent self and discover their original or true self through a series of facilitated therapeutic techniques.
Dr Schoeman’s research found that the programme heightened participants’ awareness of what constitutes violence and infringements of human rights, and their increased their sense of hope at being able to direct their life in a positive manner.
For the last three years, The City’s Department of Community Development, together with the City’s Safety Programme has focused strongly on youth development through its youth strategy as well as its city safety strategy and commissioned specialist service providers to research and address the needs of Youth-at-Risk. Youth that were previously identified by the Department of Community Development and the South African Police Service.
Banato Park High school, together with New Nation High school, also in Region F, were selected because some of the learners enrolled there are sheltered nearby and considered vulnerable, especially to substance abuse. The programme was run during their scheduled Life Orientation lessons.
MMC for Public Safety, Councillor Thomas Phakathi says, “This has been a significant project because it’s clear that the learners who have benefitted from this programme have made some amazing shifts in their attitudes and behaviour. These learners now have the tools to make better informed decisions about the kind of life they want they want to pursue. This project forms part of the city’s broader focus on youth because we realize the youth are a vulnerable group and need assistance and support.”
Yashina Pillay, Gauteng Area manager for Khulisa, says “Evidence from throughout South Africa reveals that children and youth are increasingly both perpetrating and becoming victims to crime and violence. This has a profound effect on the development of young people as well-adapted, healthy and socialized individuals who can positively contribute towards society. Recognising this trend within its own boundaries, City of Jo’burg had the foresight to address the cause and not just the symptoms of violent behaviour.”
Dr Schoeman has recommended that support systems should be established in the schools and appeals made to the public for donation of services.
Friday, October 10, 2008
Dwarsrivier DCS, Western Cape
“Don’t stop to inspire people like us, if you can be blessing to me you will certainly be a blessing to others like me” – BRUCE
“I think there’s a better person with a good heart in me, but I sometimes just can’t figure him out” – DUMISANI
“I want to stop violence between me and my community. I want to help those who are being violated and abused. To control my emotions with positive non-violent communication”- ALBERT
“My dream is to facilitate this programme in my community” – GILBERT
“This programme is a step towards my healing” – MARUWAAN
“I don’t like to fool myself as I did before. This course help me to reach my expectations to a brighter future” – ROBERT
“To be part of this course is just what I needed to break my cycle of violence and I will try my best to change my violent behaviour” – ELTON
“This programme should be must for every individual regardless of the crime they have committed” – MAKHAYA
“Everybody must stand up and fight the violence against women and children” – DUMISANI
“I like this course because it opens my eyes. Today I can help others with this information. I would like Khulisa to be more powerful to the outside world” – FEZEKILE
“I think there’s a better person with a good heart in me, but I sometimes just can’t figure him out” – DUMISANI
“I want to stop violence between me and my community. I want to help those who are being violated and abused. To control my emotions with positive non-violent communication”- ALBERT
“My dream is to facilitate this programme in my community” – GILBERT
“This programme is a step towards my healing” – MARUWAAN
“I don’t like to fool myself as I did before. This course help me to reach my expectations to a brighter future” – ROBERT
“To be part of this course is just what I needed to break my cycle of violence and I will try my best to change my violent behaviour” – ELTON
“This programme should be must for every individual regardless of the crime they have committed” – MAKHAYA
“Everybody must stand up and fight the violence against women and children” – DUMISANI
“I like this course because it opens my eyes. Today I can help others with this information. I would like Khulisa to be more powerful to the outside world” – FEZEKILE
Comments from WORCESTER DCS
“I am excited to be part of this course, because even though I am not a violent person, I will still need to deal with issues of violence that I have personally experience” – EDITH
“I feel privileged to attend this course” – GAIL
“I have a very bad temper; it usually takes a small thing to set me off. I know this course will help me deal with my temper, anger and aggressiveness” – WANDA
“It will be good to know how to handle other people. This course is very powerful. I’m glad to attend it, I have learned a lot” – CATHLEEN
“My anger is so deeply rooted; I hope that this course will help me get rid of it. It’s like a shadow that follows me around wherever I go” – SHANNON
“I feel privileged to attend this course” – GAIL
“I have a very bad temper; it usually takes a small thing to set me off. I know this course will help me deal with my temper, anger and aggressiveness” – WANDA
“It will be good to know how to handle other people. This course is very powerful. I’m glad to attend it, I have learned a lot” – CATHLEEN
“My anger is so deeply rooted; I hope that this course will help me get rid of it. It’s like a shadow that follows me around wherever I go” – SHANNON
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Barnato Park High School Silence the Violence Participants
Silence the Violence participants at Barnato Park High School with Khulisa facilitator, Zain Halle. Zain calls them his "super stars" - and indeed, that's just what they are!
The End is sometimes the TRUE BEGINNING
The sorrows and hardships are the true revival of self-awareness.
Jeffrey
Jeffrey
WEGDWAAL
‘N sterverskiet trek ‘n lang wit streep.
Vallend verlos uit die hemelruim se greep.
Vergaanend val hy in doodsgang na benede.
Niemand mis hom tossen al die duisend
En voort skyn die ander flik-rend kuisend
Of wie gee dan om dis tog net ‘n ster.
Of wie het belange hy’s dan so ver.
Nou alook hoe nietig nou sterriekie wat kwyn.
Dis tog ‘n ou liggie wat nie meer skyn.
En al is daar ook baie, en een ster kunk nietig.
Met elke vergawe word God’s hart verdrietig.
Of al sou sy lig dalk elders dan flicker.
Is dit nie die doel gegeef sy beskikker.
Want hy’t tog sy plek, uniekheid sy baan.
Gegeef die gawe van voortbestaan.
Want klein, nietig, nederig bewoee.
Word groot geag in die skepper se oe.
En al sou jy dan voel soos ‘n ster wat verskiet.
Bid en vra, die here sal dit verbiet.
Die kwaad verwerp, die goeie beloon.
Of met verderf, of met ‘n kroon.
Hou al is jy dan onder of dalk bo.
Kyk na die lewe, deur ‘n kind se oe.
Vallend verlos uit die hemelruim se greep.
Vergaanend val hy in doodsgang na benede.
Niemand mis hom tossen al die duisend
En voort skyn die ander flik-rend kuisend
Of wie gee dan om dis tog net ‘n ster.
Of wie het belange hy’s dan so ver.
Nou alook hoe nietig nou sterriekie wat kwyn.
Dis tog ‘n ou liggie wat nie meer skyn.
En al is daar ook baie, en een ster kunk nietig.
Met elke vergawe word God’s hart verdrietig.
Of al sou sy lig dalk elders dan flicker.
Is dit nie die doel gegeef sy beskikker.
Want hy’t tog sy plek, uniekheid sy baan.
Gegeef die gawe van voortbestaan.
Want klein, nietig, nederig bewoee.
Word groot geag in die skepper se oe.
En al sou jy dan voel soos ‘n ster wat verskiet.
Bid en vra, die here sal dit verbiet.
Die kwaad verwerp, die goeie beloon.
Of met verderf, of met ‘n kroon.
Hou al is jy dan onder of dalk bo.
Kyk na die lewe, deur ‘n kind se oe.
Seisoene
Tip tip tip tip, dis die wintertaal van die geute.
Soos die nasdou afdrup deur die splete.
Met koue wat jou op jou tande laat kners.
Kruip gou dieper, onder jou kombers.
Ja my friend die winter is hier.
Ons kan dit voel in die weer se gier.
Oortrek met ryp die welde sterf.
Groei kom tot stilstand op eleke werf.
Seisoene verander jaar na jaarom.
Soms wonder en vra ons waarom.
Dan kom die antwoord opgetooi.
Luister hier, en luister mooi.
In lente begin nuutgebore lewe
Raaisel agtig pragtig god’s gegewe.
Dan blom en bloei die veld in prag.
In kleur en geur foels sins en lag.
Dan kon somer met sonne skyn.
Die lewe groei met groot vennyn.
Word sterker, groter, reik nabowe.
Om god vir lewe te kan lowe.
Maar dan kom herfs, alles droog en vaal.
Boom en blom raak leeg en kaal.
Herfs klink na dood, maar dis tog soet,
Want dit skep plek vir nuwe bloed.
Ja seisoene moet kom en ook weer gaan.
Soms vreugdevol, soms met ‘n traan.
Nou wonder nie meer blaas dood die kers.
En kruip gou dieper, onder jou kombers.
Soos die nasdou afdrup deur die splete.
Met koue wat jou op jou tande laat kners.
Kruip gou dieper, onder jou kombers.
Ja my friend die winter is hier.
Ons kan dit voel in die weer se gier.
Oortrek met ryp die welde sterf.
Groei kom tot stilstand op eleke werf.
Seisoene verander jaar na jaarom.
Soms wonder en vra ons waarom.
Dan kom die antwoord opgetooi.
Luister hier, en luister mooi.
In lente begin nuutgebore lewe
Raaisel agtig pragtig god’s gegewe.
Dan blom en bloei die veld in prag.
In kleur en geur foels sins en lag.
Dan kon somer met sonne skyn.
Die lewe groei met groot vennyn.
Word sterker, groter, reik nabowe.
Om god vir lewe te kan lowe.
Maar dan kom herfs, alles droog en vaal.
Boom en blom raak leeg en kaal.
Herfs klink na dood, maar dis tog soet,
Want dit skep plek vir nuwe bloed.
Ja seisoene moet kom en ook weer gaan.
Soms vreugdevol, soms met ‘n traan.
Nou wonder nie meer blaas dood die kers.
En kruip gou dieper, onder jou kombers.
WEGGEGOOI
In Hillbrow se vuil en donker strate.
Le kinders snags en slap, verlate
Met verwarring en weemoed is hulle bedeel.
Hul ken geen liefde lag of speel.
Dagga en gom, so gekrenke.
Om weg te kan kom van suiwer denke.
Want terugdink huistoe maak net seer.
Aan ‘n weggooi kind, so verweer.
Terug wil hy nie na overhuis.
Want te swaar is die dra van daardie kruis.
Geslaan, gevloek, verniel word hy.
Hier in die strate wil hy eerder bly.
‘N emosielose lewew en sonder gier.
Is beter as wat hy by die huis verdier.
By die huis is hy ‘n gevangene van geweld.
Hier is hy, soos ‘n vlinder in die veld.
Soms stort n traan wanneer hy dink.
Hoe sy ouers baklei vloek en drink.
Maar vee dan sy trane met die mou van sy hemp.
En vergeet sy hartseer, sonder nadink gedemp.
En wanneer hy dan bedwelmd aan die slaapraak.
Is daar tog niks wat eintlik meer saak maak.
En as wakker word ook nie kom in die more.
Is hy maar net weg, hy is tog verlore.
Le kinders snags en slap, verlate
Met verwarring en weemoed is hulle bedeel.
Hul ken geen liefde lag of speel.
Dagga en gom, so gekrenke.
Om weg te kan kom van suiwer denke.
Want terugdink huistoe maak net seer.
Aan ‘n weggooi kind, so verweer.
Terug wil hy nie na overhuis.
Want te swaar is die dra van daardie kruis.
Geslaan, gevloek, verniel word hy.
Hier in die strate wil hy eerder bly.
‘N emosielose lewew en sonder gier.
Is beter as wat hy by die huis verdier.
By die huis is hy ‘n gevangene van geweld.
Hier is hy, soos ‘n vlinder in die veld.
Soms stort n traan wanneer hy dink.
Hoe sy ouers baklei vloek en drink.
Maar vee dan sy trane met die mou van sy hemp.
En vergeet sy hartseer, sonder nadink gedemp.
En wanneer hy dan bedwelmd aan die slaapraak.
Is daar tog niks wat eintlik meer saak maak.
En as wakker word ook nie kom in die more.
Is hy maar net weg, hy is tog verlore.
LEWEN’S STORMS
Die hemeldruin bo is swaar bewolk.
‘N dreigende massa wat maal en kolk.
Bliksem strale skiet na benede.
Vader, verhoor tog ons smeek gebede.
Dan donder die weer soos ‘n leeu se brul.
Die huis en skuur staan in vlamme gehul.
Mens en dier hardloop vir beskut.
Want die gietende reen dien geen nut.
Dan bars die hemelruin in water vloed.
Sonder genade vergiet hy bloed.
Verspoel, verniel, in dolle vaart.
Verwoestende, meedoonloos, onbedaard.
In ‘n oogwink is alles verby
‘N duiwel wraak is op die aarde bevry.
Maar tog so mooi is die wat nog lewe.
Aldan so bang met harte wat bewe.
En nederig kan se, ons,Heer ons koning.
Aan hulle gee hy, die hemel as woning.
‘N dreigende massa wat maal en kolk.
Bliksem strale skiet na benede.
Vader, verhoor tog ons smeek gebede.
Dan donder die weer soos ‘n leeu se brul.
Die huis en skuur staan in vlamme gehul.
Mens en dier hardloop vir beskut.
Want die gietende reen dien geen nut.
Dan bars die hemelruin in water vloed.
Sonder genade vergiet hy bloed.
Verspoel, verniel, in dolle vaart.
Verwoestende, meedoonloos, onbedaard.
In ‘n oogwink is alles verby
‘N duiwel wraak is op die aarde bevry.
Maar tog so mooi is die wat nog lewe.
Aldan so bang met harte wat bewe.
En nederig kan se, ons,Heer ons koning.
Aan hulle gee hy, die hemel as woning.
The Way I are
How me, myself and I are
Hatred to me is a thing of the past (History)
Grudges to me is a sickness that need attention.
TRUST MAKES ME FEEL GOOD AT ALL TIMES.
Responsibility makes me prove myself that I can.
Fairness is the wings to make me fly high like an eagle.
Hope is a pillar of my strength
Smile is my comforter.
With my loud voice I release my stress.
With Love I connect myself with people.
And with the tears in my eyes I clean my eyes
The problems to me is a challenge.
Depression was my friend but now he hates me.
That’s how me , myself and I are.
Injury to me is a sign of healthiness.
Anger is a way of cleaning my mind and a sign of awareness.
Criticism is a stepping stone for me lies gossip about me.
Empty promises proves me how strong I are.
Worries was my late neighbour.
Happiness is now my new name.
That’s how me, myself and I are.
Hope is now my next door neighbour.
Smile is my best friend.
And tomorrow would be my first born.
That’s how I are.
I used to hate myself.
But now I trust myself.
Now I believe in myself.
That’s how me, myself and I are.
I used to think that everybody hates me.
But now I can see that people love me.
Feeling lonely was a daily thing.
But now I can feel people around me.
Thinking too much was my breakfast, my lunch and dinner.
But now I take things the way they are.
I have learned to accept and appreciate what I are.
That’s how I are.
I am me, myself and I.
By Jackson
Hatred to me is a thing of the past (History)
Grudges to me is a sickness that need attention.
TRUST MAKES ME FEEL GOOD AT ALL TIMES.
Responsibility makes me prove myself that I can.
Fairness is the wings to make me fly high like an eagle.
Hope is a pillar of my strength
Smile is my comforter.
With my loud voice I release my stress.
With Love I connect myself with people.
And with the tears in my eyes I clean my eyes
The problems to me is a challenge.
Depression was my friend but now he hates me.
That’s how me , myself and I are.
Injury to me is a sign of healthiness.
Anger is a way of cleaning my mind and a sign of awareness.
Criticism is a stepping stone for me lies gossip about me.
Empty promises proves me how strong I are.
Worries was my late neighbour.
Happiness is now my new name.
That’s how me, myself and I are.
Hope is now my next door neighbour.
Smile is my best friend.
And tomorrow would be my first born.
That’s how I are.
I used to hate myself.
But now I trust myself.
Now I believe in myself.
That’s how me, myself and I are.
I used to think that everybody hates me.
But now I can see that people love me.
Feeling lonely was a daily thing.
But now I can feel people around me.
Thinking too much was my breakfast, my lunch and dinner.
But now I take things the way they are.
I have learned to accept and appreciate what I are.
That’s how I are.
I am me, myself and I.
By Jackson
Poem
I am coming back for you.
Oh violence – you sound is like a roaring lion, a roaring lion in my ears.
Oh violence I don’t know why you chose me, but deep down I know,
That you took advantage of me.
Because I was young and had no one to turn to.
My tears were real; I was in pain with no shoulder to lean on,
Oh violence how kind you were to me – you offered me a shoulder to lean on.
Of loneliness, desperation for Love-I couldn’t feel how cold your shoulder was. I was you and needed someone to advice me-someone to give me courage.
But Oh! Violence – you availed yourself and told me that I have proved my capability.
My self esteem, self respect and self Love, I asked how to do all this, then you gave me more fear, anger and a mask to put on.
Oh! Violence you made me feel dull, empty and dead.
You made me believe that the lose of personal power can only be found again through force.
Oh! Violence, I don’t mean to be loud and harsh – this might hurt you.
But listen all that you said to me-all that you told me and made me believe were lies and nothing but lies.
I know!!! I know!!!
I am unique, I am special, I am Loved and needed by others,
Kindly note……
I’m being prepared and trained to silence you Oh! Violence.
I am coming to expose you-I will bring you down in four days to come.
THULANI VS VIOLENCE
Oh violence – you sound is like a roaring lion, a roaring lion in my ears.
Oh violence I don’t know why you chose me, but deep down I know,
That you took advantage of me.
Because I was young and had no one to turn to.
My tears were real; I was in pain with no shoulder to lean on,
Oh violence how kind you were to me – you offered me a shoulder to lean on.
Of loneliness, desperation for Love-I couldn’t feel how cold your shoulder was. I was you and needed someone to advice me-someone to give me courage.
But Oh! Violence – you availed yourself and told me that I have proved my capability.
My self esteem, self respect and self Love, I asked how to do all this, then you gave me more fear, anger and a mask to put on.
Oh! Violence you made me feel dull, empty and dead.
You made me believe that the lose of personal power can only be found again through force.
Oh! Violence, I don’t mean to be loud and harsh – this might hurt you.
But listen all that you said to me-all that you told me and made me believe were lies and nothing but lies.
I know!!! I know!!!
I am unique, I am special, I am Loved and needed by others,
Kindly note……
I’m being prepared and trained to silence you Oh! Violence.
I am coming to expose you-I will bring you down in four days to come.
THULANI VS VIOLENCE
IT IS NOT TOO LATE FOR CHANGE
Amazing: Thulani and the fellow inmate surrounded by the family He (Thulani) once victimized from left to right. Aunt Klalani, brother Thabo, fellow inmate Eric, Mother Dineo, Happy Thulani, behind cousin Dimakatso, sister Ellen, sister in law Nono, and below left to right son Luciano, daughter Natacia, nephew Njabulo and niece Poppy.
It was hard painful and torturing experience, I went through as a boy, I grew up knowing that violence was a simple way in problem solving and expressing how you feel. Humiliation, fear, terror and lack of love a strong grip in my life.
I left home at the age of 16 years to look for a life I thought would have been better than that of home. Guns, blood, money & alcohol, girlfriends were all around me. I thought I would be better man than my dad, but I became ten times a monster. Abuse, guilt and revenge refused to let go of me.
More fear, more anger, more violence held me tight.
I robbed people of their money, I stole money, I stole, I killed and abused my family and a friend, and my community too. But it was not for too late for change. I was shot badly and injured by police, imprisoned and sentenced to 15 years in jail.
Regret, more shame and loneliness tried to let me commit suicide. But through the love and the mercy of God I was saved from my sins and forgiven. I became a born again Christian and started to seek change, healing, forgiveness and love. The Love of God, the love of my family, the love of DCS members and the love of Khulisa brought a complete change that still continues in my life.
Today: I want (wish) to give love and respect together with my time for all the victims around the globe. I am willing to fight against crime, woman and child abuse by educating, giving information to those who have been victimized or affected by the acts of crime and violence, also perpetrators.
Silence The Violence – we can all do it together
T.
DIALOGUE I WOULD LIKE TO HAVE WITH MY VICTIMS
Sad Consequences
I was terrified; I was a boy who was terrified absolutely terrified about the position in which I have found myself.
In result of my anger, guilt, selfishness and violence behavior, I am in this position, dressed in the orange black printed, prisoner clothes here in jail, thinking about my life about my future.
The Victim Impact
You can only imagine the things going in the minds of the victims. I have learned from the previous sessions and the movie Tsotsi about the important that my violence behavior had on them. Pain, sadness, loss and regret for the victims-the victim’s family, friends and community. I regret the situation that I made all the above mentioned to face, because of my violent act, many lives will never be the same again.
As long as people fail to break the pattern, violence will continue. Anyone can break this pattern, first must be a change in the inside. From the experience I had on the programme, I have learned that victims need healing. Counseling and comfort from what they to put up with. And I am one of the medicine that can bring about healing in their lives, by admitting confessing and asking for forgiveness of the pain I caused them though this might not be easy for them, but I would just pay and hope for this. I’ll be soon going out of prison, and I am ready to give back to my community, I pray & hope that I will manage to open the victim support group.
As soon as you feel calm or as you keep yourself approach the person you feel has offended you:
a) Name the offence that was done to you by that person.
b) Say how you feel.
c) Say how you thought about the offence.
d) Request what you would need from them next time.
Love thy neighbour as thyself (bible quote) Remember Violence is born from a lack of Love.
T.
I was terrified; I was a boy who was terrified absolutely terrified about the position in which I have found myself.
In result of my anger, guilt, selfishness and violence behavior, I am in this position, dressed in the orange black printed, prisoner clothes here in jail, thinking about my life about my future.
The Victim Impact
You can only imagine the things going in the minds of the victims. I have learned from the previous sessions and the movie Tsotsi about the important that my violence behavior had on them. Pain, sadness, loss and regret for the victims-the victim’s family, friends and community. I regret the situation that I made all the above mentioned to face, because of my violent act, many lives will never be the same again.
As long as people fail to break the pattern, violence will continue. Anyone can break this pattern, first must be a change in the inside. From the experience I had on the programme, I have learned that victims need healing. Counseling and comfort from what they to put up with. And I am one of the medicine that can bring about healing in their lives, by admitting confessing and asking for forgiveness of the pain I caused them though this might not be easy for them, but I would just pay and hope for this. I’ll be soon going out of prison, and I am ready to give back to my community, I pray & hope that I will manage to open the victim support group.
As soon as you feel calm or as you keep yourself approach the person you feel has offended you:
a) Name the offence that was done to you by that person.
b) Say how you feel.
c) Say how you thought about the offence.
d) Request what you would need from them next time.
Love thy neighbour as thyself (bible quote) Remember Violence is born from a lack of Love.
T.
“Oh Lord Why Lord” and Shame Man
I think it will be wise for our Government to strategies how to deal about this violence against the innocent people.
Because when you look the statistics of crime it’s beyond the control whereby need the unit amongst ourselves and the Government to deal with the crime accordingly.
Moment of awareness
People needs the work shops to be thought about crime, and how to deal with it.
NGO must be involved support groups of awareness must be there to educate the people.
A photograph of Shame Man
Silence face means sorrow, sadness and consciousness to the things of the past.
This picture reminds me a lot of things I did wrong for my family to be not there for them.
This face is change because it was masked by things that violated the innocent, so the mask has been removed.
The new things has come and old has passed this is a guarantee for me and my consciousness that for sure I mean it.
Brooke, Zonderwater
Because when you look the statistics of crime it’s beyond the control whereby need the unit amongst ourselves and the Government to deal with the crime accordingly.
Moment of awareness
People needs the work shops to be thought about crime, and how to deal with it.
NGO must be involved support groups of awareness must be there to educate the people.
A photograph of Shame Man
Silence face means sorrow, sadness and consciousness to the things of the past.
This picture reminds me a lot of things I did wrong for my family to be not there for them.
This face is change because it was masked by things that violated the innocent, so the mask has been removed.
The new things has come and old has passed this is a guarantee for me and my consciousness that for sure I mean it.
Brooke, Zonderwater
ATM bombing
My Background
I grow up in the homeland where everything is green bright, but we had to move from homeland of which in rural area to come to urban settlement where everything is happening.
I came from the poor family where my father was not educated even my mother. But I get that chance to go to school for pushing myself and also my brother and my sister in order to get a better education.
Well I was so lucky to get a nice job when I completed my standard ten and work for Engineering Company earning a good salary. I bought a house for myself I married to the wonderful woman and we were blessed with five kids. We were living happy with my family until I misuse the opportunity to open my own business for a better future for my family even that thought is still bind in my mind, hoping and trusting when I go back to my family I will make an apology for what I abused them emotionally , verbal violence.
Agreement of change
It is not about agree, but it is to demolish this stigma of violence against the community.
When we demolished something we make sure it will never exist again. Then we need to use the strong tools to demolish it.
The proper tools are lepets mines explosion that will destroy it, these are the unity amongst the community supporting each other and stop the violence to our community, having NGO to our members of community and organize functions to address the burning issues about crime.
Change is turn from one way to other, that means turn from bad to good show seriousness of change to your neighbors, skillful of simple meeting strategies of dealing about the change to those who still abusing the right of the innocent, work 24/7 with community to able to solve the problems of others who know nothing about change.
We need to use a better method of approach to the people that they must know about change it good to deal with schools first where the stigma is started.
ATM (Auto Teller Machine) bombing suspect arrested
This is a terrible story around our country South Africa about bombing A.T.M of which is crippling our economic system; this sought of crime is carrying on day and day in different places of our country.
Well I read a newspaper last time mentioned some of the police officers were involved with this sought of crime, that gave me a confusion that if people like this are committing this crime of which we trust them and that are anti-violent to the community how much more the safety of community to protect from being violated by Government people. Crime is a crippling this country because even tourist will have fear to come to visit our rainbow nation country.
Well the mechanism of dealing with these various is to be one and united and fight against the crime because our country will face a blink of catastroph.To my point of boking things it will be better to change into a new method of using A.T.M, must be change into computerized and have anti-touch device to sense each and every person closed to it if you pause your eyes in this paste how the suspect is been shot by the Metro Police it shows that it is a unprofessional crime but violating the right of the community.
I grow up in the homeland where everything is green bright, but we had to move from homeland of which in rural area to come to urban settlement where everything is happening.
I came from the poor family where my father was not educated even my mother. But I get that chance to go to school for pushing myself and also my brother and my sister in order to get a better education.
Well I was so lucky to get a nice job when I completed my standard ten and work for Engineering Company earning a good salary. I bought a house for myself I married to the wonderful woman and we were blessed with five kids. We were living happy with my family until I misuse the opportunity to open my own business for a better future for my family even that thought is still bind in my mind, hoping and trusting when I go back to my family I will make an apology for what I abused them emotionally , verbal violence.
Agreement of change
It is not about agree, but it is to demolish this stigma of violence against the community.
When we demolished something we make sure it will never exist again. Then we need to use the strong tools to demolish it.
The proper tools are lepets mines explosion that will destroy it, these are the unity amongst the community supporting each other and stop the violence to our community, having NGO to our members of community and organize functions to address the burning issues about crime.
Change is turn from one way to other, that means turn from bad to good show seriousness of change to your neighbors, skillful of simple meeting strategies of dealing about the change to those who still abusing the right of the innocent, work 24/7 with community to able to solve the problems of others who know nothing about change.
We need to use a better method of approach to the people that they must know about change it good to deal with schools first where the stigma is started.
ATM (Auto Teller Machine) bombing suspect arrested
This is a terrible story around our country South Africa about bombing A.T.M of which is crippling our economic system; this sought of crime is carrying on day and day in different places of our country.Well I read a newspaper last time mentioned some of the police officers were involved with this sought of crime, that gave me a confusion that if people like this are committing this crime of which we trust them and that are anti-violent to the community how much more the safety of community to protect from being violated by Government people. Crime is a crippling this country because even tourist will have fear to come to visit our rainbow nation country.
Well the mechanism of dealing with these various is to be one and united and fight against the crime because our country will face a blink of catastroph.To my point of boking things it will be better to change into a new method of using A.T.M, must be change into computerized and have anti-touch device to sense each and every person closed to it if you pause your eyes in this paste how the suspect is been shot by the Metro Police it shows that it is a unprofessional crime but violating the right of the community.
A Time for Everything
There is a time for everything and season for actuality for our living phenomenon.
A Time to be born is a time of bless by God.
A Time of die is time of unpredictable.
A Time to plant good crops for the future.
A Time to u proof for the best.
But Why me lazy time!
Time wasted will never repay But Why Me Time
Harvesting season is near the corner but those who never sown want to get it freely.
Darkness of clouds will covered those who are work hard for their hands.
But Why me lazy Time?
It is time to talk about solution of grabbing the various crime in our community.
It is time to silence the violence of our children and woman abuse.
But Why people are silence not speaking.
A Time to be born is a time of bless by God.
A Time of die is time of unpredictable.
A Time to plant good crops for the future.
A Time to u proof for the best.
But Why me lazy time!
Time wasted will never repay But Why Me Time
Harvesting season is near the corner but those who never sown want to get it freely.
Darkness of clouds will covered those who are work hard for their hands.
But Why me lazy Time?
It is time to talk about solution of grabbing the various crime in our community.
It is time to silence the violence of our children and woman abuse.
But Why people are silence not speaking.
Tsotsi and homework
Perhaps it sounds strange for the session that we attended today, why? It is because you ought to be open your heart and deliver everything that hurt you from your childhood until to the stage of been incarcerated. Well, to hear from the other people’s experience in life it reminds me for the things that past in my life.
Well again to the movie that I watch from the T.V about Tsotsi it is painful to grow to the family that they not gave love that you deserve as a child you possessed by the spirit of no mercy. Yes, indeed this movie showing us exactly the way the crime starts to our environment of living. To be irresponsible in your family as a father it makes things worse for the innocent people in the family especially the children.
I was been encouraged the way our Social workers and the Khulisa members being open to us and the way they treat us, as they treat their children. I feel relieved to each and everything that we done in that session of today. We all in all it’s about me and my consciousness to understand myself to the scenario. It is very interesting to understand from your mistake and acknowledged them and steps of solving them accordingly. Concerning the dialogue with my actions.
Well I would love to be down and not be angry as I use to be before to show them the love as I approach them for the forgiveness to what done, openly to my speech of asking the forgiveness, hoping to be humble from them will show them the fruits of change.
Michael, Zonderwater
Well again to the movie that I watch from the T.V about Tsotsi it is painful to grow to the family that they not gave love that you deserve as a child you possessed by the spirit of no mercy. Yes, indeed this movie showing us exactly the way the crime starts to our environment of living. To be irresponsible in your family as a father it makes things worse for the innocent people in the family especially the children.
I was been encouraged the way our Social workers and the Khulisa members being open to us and the way they treat us, as they treat their children. I feel relieved to each and everything that we done in that session of today. We all in all it’s about me and my consciousness to understand myself to the scenario. It is very interesting to understand from your mistake and acknowledged them and steps of solving them accordingly. Concerning the dialogue with my actions.
Well I would love to be down and not be angry as I use to be before to show them the love as I approach them for the forgiveness to what done, openly to my speech of asking the forgiveness, hoping to be humble from them will show them the fruits of change.
Michael, Zonderwater
THE DARK SELF & THE TRUE SELF
My dark side is full blown, it is with me and wants to hurt everyone, destroy everything so no one will ever be able to hurt me again.
Every minute of every day I see images of what I can do how I can hurt people in every way you can imagine.My true self in life is a small voice screaming in a raging storm of horror trying to keep the sanity, for all he wants is to love someone and have someone love him.
PAIN
Across the fields and through the sky’s
Rides thy demons with thy eyes
Though pain and sorrow is the game.
Just remember they have no shame.
When I was with my ex-fiancee before I was arrested, we always talked about having children and I took that we would have them.
When we have them because on one level I was not sure I could do better than what my father did to me.It’s only now with this course that I realized my fiancée really wanted children badly and I must have hurt her with my being not serious about it.
My picture
My Background
I come from a background of physical, emotional and mental abuse which in turn led me to also do the same thing, due to lack of self-esteem I did not carry on with my studies and drifted from job to job, place to place, on the whole I never considered myself good/smart enough to better myself.I worked in the hotel/catering industry and have worked most of the different jobs in the industry from waiter to general manager.
My Goals
My Goals are now to sort myself physically, emotionally and mentally by use of certain programs and to try to find finance so I can further my studies so when I come out of prison I won’t be a burden to the community but a bonus and try to teach troubled people like myself not to destroy themselves like I have done.
My song that love is: Hate me” from Blue October it is a song about how one partner treat their partner badly through violence and how he left her so she can find someone who will love her better, so he asks her to hate so it will make it easier for her to stop loving him and move on.
Thulani
15 yrs imprisonment
Zonderwater Med A
Every minute of every day I see images of what I can do how I can hurt people in every way you can imagine.My true self in life is a small voice screaming in a raging storm of horror trying to keep the sanity, for all he wants is to love someone and have someone love him.
PAIN
Across the fields and through the sky’s
Rides thy demons with thy eyes
Though pain and sorrow is the game.
Just remember they have no shame.
When I was with my ex-fiancee before I was arrested, we always talked about having children and I took that we would have them.
When we have them because on one level I was not sure I could do better than what my father did to me.It’s only now with this course that I realized my fiancée really wanted children badly and I must have hurt her with my being not serious about it.
My picture
My BackgroundI come from a background of physical, emotional and mental abuse which in turn led me to also do the same thing, due to lack of self-esteem I did not carry on with my studies and drifted from job to job, place to place, on the whole I never considered myself good/smart enough to better myself.I worked in the hotel/catering industry and have worked most of the different jobs in the industry from waiter to general manager.
My Goals
My Goals are now to sort myself physically, emotionally and mentally by use of certain programs and to try to find finance so I can further my studies so when I come out of prison I won’t be a burden to the community but a bonus and try to teach troubled people like myself not to destroy themselves like I have done.
My song that love is: Hate me” from Blue October it is a song about how one partner treat their partner badly through violence and how he left her so she can find someone who will love her better, so he asks her to hate so it will make it easier for her to stop loving him and move on.
Thulani
15 yrs imprisonment
Zonderwater Med A
Adam's Journal
Today’s experience in the program was quite eye opening, with what I shared today about what I remembered about when I was young. Also with the movie Tsotsi we got to see not only that happens to the criminal but also to the victims. It showed how a hard badly abused boy who through one of his crimes comes face to face with a baby and over time how he takes care of the baby. How the caring of the baby reawakened his humanity, how the he started to care for other people and did not want to do crime again. However at the end I understand that the ending was cut short so we did not get to see that tsotsi died got shot by police. Some people may not agree with me but the real end where tsotsi was killed represents the Governments look at a criminal. Even if you go to prison get rehabilitated, get released and you start to do good you still get treated like a criminal until the day you die.
Dialogue with my victims
There is so much to say and no words which can ever ease the pain and hurt. The only thing I can do is place my life in your hands and let you decide what to do with, if you want my life take it for it is the least I can do.
Adam
Dialogue with my victims
There is so much to say and no words which can ever ease the pain and hurt. The only thing I can do is place my life in your hands and let you decide what to do with, if you want my life take it for it is the least I can do.
Adam
Untiring Love
There was once a Japanese man renovating his house, and in order for this man to revamp the house thoroughly, he had to tear open the walls of his exquisite (Japanese house, normally the houses have hallow spaces between the wooden walls. As he was so doing (Tearing down the wooden walls) he thus made an intriguing discovery of a beautiful looking’ lizard (small), stuck. Due to the fact that a nail had been hammered into one of its tiny structured but immaculate feet.
He sees all this taking occurrence and spontaneously starts to feel pity, thus simultaneously curious as to when and for how long had the lizard been stuck or nailed for. He delves deep in thought and he is suddenly thus astounded by the realization….that the nail was hammered 10 years ago when the wooded house was initially built: Ten years he thought.
Struck by awe and intriguement of the reality of this all. “How could this be”? He hissed questionably to himself. “The lizard has survived in such positioning for ten (10) years……!?...without moving…? It’s impossible and mind bugging…he thought to himself silently.
He then subsequently wondered as to how this lizard could survive for 10 years without moving a single miniature step, since its foot was nailed.
In this way he stopped his work and observed the lizard what it has been doing, what and how it has been eating all along. Later, not knowing from where it came, appeared another hasty lizard with food in its mouth.
“Aahh!” he was stunned and touched deeply, for the lizard that was stuck by nail, another has been feeding it for the past should I say…”10 Loving years”
Such Love, such a beautiful Love.
Such simple but profound Love happens even with these.
Tiny Creatures…..!
What can Love do….? It can surpass all adversity. It can do wonders!!! Love can and does miracles.
Imagine …! It (The Lizard) has been doing all that.
Untiringly for ten long flippant years.
Without giving up hope on it’s partner….
Thus I say, Love is a gift, take it and let it grow!
Love is a sign, wear it and let it show!
Love is an act, do it and let it go…….!
By Itumeleng, Courtesy of Khulisa-Zonderwater.
Support group (11 April 2008)
11 APRIL 2008
Initially: From Day one, I was basically all skeptical of the Khulisa Programme “Silence the Violence” Though at the back of my mind there constantly seemed to be a tingle of a sensed of great things ahead (Hope) Within me, and fortunately for me the strength and courage of my adamant but willing heart is really what got me through day one to where I am now-Day 5!
Yesterday, being day 4 of the Programme or more appropriately day 10th of April 2008, I was all sulky but then as the session proceeded , I felt the sense of Camaraderic and Spiritual aura rub off to me.
The session or part thereof…..that hit home the most thus far, is the part of having to divulge or purge out all the hurting, sorrow and grieving that one need to or rather had experience from childhood and there on. It honestly hit deep home for it re-opened old wounds on my part that I was forever suppressing.
That part of the session got me all teary and silently crying to myself, especially after Mr Mbanjwa, Peter/Piet and Philip gave a part of themselves to us by sharing all their sorrowful and hurtful lives to us.
On the part – session of us being lined up in a live of four individuals and thus purge out whatever thought one had concerning the programme or otherwise. For me that was the highlight of the programme for I really felt more in tune in expressing more about what I wanted or yearned for in life, rather than re-living my life past experiences, though yes! I do acknowledge that by re-living and purging out all my violent related experiences is a pivotal part of recovering and healing within, on my part.
Thinking of all that I went through via this programme I really feel a need to re-emphasize what a fellow inmate stated in one of the sessions, which is no one involved in the Khulisa Programme “Silence the Violence” sessions, can claim to be the same individual or claim not to be altered in his/her perspectives in one way or another.
I would now like to say I share the same sentiments as my fellow inmate in that I sincerely doubt that there’s anyone involved here in the programme who feels that all that was done here is / was all useless.
I thank you all for being generous to me and my fellow inmates in respect to all form of your generosity whether it be via your presence, your emotions, thoughts or whatever pivotal part of you that you may have given to us, we really appreciate it.
Your generosity to us is honesty and greatly invaluable.
Yours: Itumeleng, Zonderwater
He sees all this taking occurrence and spontaneously starts to feel pity, thus simultaneously curious as to when and for how long had the lizard been stuck or nailed for. He delves deep in thought and he is suddenly thus astounded by the realization….that the nail was hammered 10 years ago when the wooded house was initially built: Ten years he thought.
Struck by awe and intriguement of the reality of this all. “How could this be”? He hissed questionably to himself. “The lizard has survived in such positioning for ten (10) years……!?...without moving…? It’s impossible and mind bugging…he thought to himself silently.
He then subsequently wondered as to how this lizard could survive for 10 years without moving a single miniature step, since its foot was nailed.
In this way he stopped his work and observed the lizard what it has been doing, what and how it has been eating all along. Later, not knowing from where it came, appeared another hasty lizard with food in its mouth.
“Aahh!” he was stunned and touched deeply, for the lizard that was stuck by nail, another has been feeding it for the past should I say…”10 Loving years”
Such Love, such a beautiful Love.
Such simple but profound Love happens even with these.
Tiny Creatures…..!
What can Love do….? It can surpass all adversity. It can do wonders!!! Love can and does miracles.
Imagine …! It (The Lizard) has been doing all that.
Untiringly for ten long flippant years.
Without giving up hope on it’s partner….
Thus I say, Love is a gift, take it and let it grow!
Love is a sign, wear it and let it show!
Love is an act, do it and let it go…….!
By Itumeleng, Courtesy of Khulisa-Zonderwater.
Support group (11 April 2008)
11 APRIL 2008
Initially: From Day one, I was basically all skeptical of the Khulisa Programme “Silence the Violence” Though at the back of my mind there constantly seemed to be a tingle of a sensed of great things ahead (Hope) Within me, and fortunately for me the strength and courage of my adamant but willing heart is really what got me through day one to where I am now-Day 5!
Yesterday, being day 4 of the Programme or more appropriately day 10th of April 2008, I was all sulky but then as the session proceeded , I felt the sense of Camaraderic and Spiritual aura rub off to me.
The session or part thereof…..that hit home the most thus far, is the part of having to divulge or purge out all the hurting, sorrow and grieving that one need to or rather had experience from childhood and there on. It honestly hit deep home for it re-opened old wounds on my part that I was forever suppressing.
That part of the session got me all teary and silently crying to myself, especially after Mr Mbanjwa, Peter/Piet and Philip gave a part of themselves to us by sharing all their sorrowful and hurtful lives to us.
On the part – session of us being lined up in a live of four individuals and thus purge out whatever thought one had concerning the programme or otherwise. For me that was the highlight of the programme for I really felt more in tune in expressing more about what I wanted or yearned for in life, rather than re-living my life past experiences, though yes! I do acknowledge that by re-living and purging out all my violent related experiences is a pivotal part of recovering and healing within, on my part.
Thinking of all that I went through via this programme I really feel a need to re-emphasize what a fellow inmate stated in one of the sessions, which is no one involved in the Khulisa Programme “Silence the Violence” sessions, can claim to be the same individual or claim not to be altered in his/her perspectives in one way or another.
I would now like to say I share the same sentiments as my fellow inmate in that I sincerely doubt that there’s anyone involved here in the programme who feels that all that was done here is / was all useless.
I thank you all for being generous to me and my fellow inmates in respect to all form of your generosity whether it be via your presence, your emotions, thoughts or whatever pivotal part of you that you may have given to us, we really appreciate it.
Your generosity to us is honesty and greatly invaluable.
Yours: Itumeleng, Zonderwater
‘n Nuweling
Daar is ‘n nuwe lig wat skyn
Sonder strale wat skroei of venyn.
Daar is ‘n nuwe Horison om op te kyk na
Ja waarlik, die seer het verdwyn
Oud verlore – nut gebore…..
Naak hier staan ek gebed verhore.
O hou my vas laat my nooit gaan.
Maak my tog, jou uitverkope.
Want le’lik was ek, nou nut gevonde.
My lewe was total tew gronde.
Maar opgetel af-gestof is ek.
En aan jou bly ek,ter dood gebonde.
O skoongewas jy voel so goed.
Dit jubel diep in my gemoed.
Jy lig my op na hoogtes ja.
Ek is nou skoon, ek het geboet.
Ek is weer kind met weerbegin.
Want in my sond het ek besin.
Ek Jubel weer van vroeg tot laat.
Want in my hart, is geen onmin.
Dankie dan, nou vir kwel oor my,
En al die hulp vir my bevry.
Die pad na voor sal’k loop in krag.
En al jou guns, sal my by bly.
Piet, Zonderwater
Sonder strale wat skroei of venyn.
Daar is ‘n nuwe Horison om op te kyk na
Ja waarlik, die seer het verdwyn
Oud verlore – nut gebore…..
Naak hier staan ek gebed verhore.
O hou my vas laat my nooit gaan.
Maak my tog, jou uitverkope.
Want le’lik was ek, nou nut gevonde.
My lewe was total tew gronde.
Maar opgetel af-gestof is ek.
En aan jou bly ek,ter dood gebonde.
O skoongewas jy voel so goed.
Dit jubel diep in my gemoed.
Jy lig my op na hoogtes ja.
Ek is nou skoon, ek het geboet.
Ek is weer kind met weerbegin.
Want in my sond het ek besin.
Ek Jubel weer van vroeg tot laat.
Want in my hart, is geen onmin.
Dankie dan, nou vir kwel oor my,
En al die hulp vir my bevry.
Die pad na voor sal’k loop in krag.
En al jou guns, sal my by bly.
Piet, Zonderwater
GOD is with Me All the Way
Secrets will always try to hurt all the time, but they will never succeed because you are destined to achieve your goals.
God has taken away all your pain, sorrow suffering and has given you joy and peace.
Courage is not the Strength to go on when there is no will but the will to go on when there is no strength.
I knocked on the Heavens door and GOD asked? What can I do for you Samson?
I said: Please God protect and bless all my Victims and who hear my message.
“He” smiled at me and granted my wish.
GOD protect and bless YOU all.
By Samson
God has taken away all your pain, sorrow suffering and has given you joy and peace.
Courage is not the Strength to go on when there is no will but the will to go on when there is no strength.
I knocked on the Heavens door and GOD asked? What can I do for you Samson?
I said: Please God protect and bless all my Victims and who hear my message.
“He” smiled at me and granted my wish.
GOD protect and bless YOU all.
By Samson
THE OPTIMISTIC PESSIMIST
Doing hundred things regretting ninety nine.
I guess in madness, I’m first in line.
I am called crazy by foe and friend.
But what’s inside me, they can’t mend.
Hardship, bloodshed, institutions know.
What it made inside to grow.
This me inside me, a disguised danger.
Makes me to me a searching stranger.
It makes me loose when I win,
And shows me winnings, in a sin.
It leads my battles in voices grand,
But when I turn, alone I stand.
Achieving hurts and lost is formal.
Despair comforts, for it seems normal.
And in the end in crazy silence.
It all boils over into violence.
I hope by God one day to find,
The re-al me, in heart and mind.
For I Know inside me, is a diamond shining.
Though I’m a dark cloud, I have a silver lining.
Piet, Zonderwater Correctional Facility
I guess in madness, I’m first in line.
I am called crazy by foe and friend.
But what’s inside me, they can’t mend.
Hardship, bloodshed, institutions know.
What it made inside to grow.
This me inside me, a disguised danger.
Makes me to me a searching stranger.
It makes me loose when I win,
And shows me winnings, in a sin.
It leads my battles in voices grand,
But when I turn, alone I stand.
Achieving hurts and lost is formal.
Despair comforts, for it seems normal.
And in the end in crazy silence.
It all boils over into violence.
I hope by God one day to find,
The re-al me, in heart and mind.
For I Know inside me, is a diamond shining.
Though I’m a dark cloud, I have a silver lining.
Piet, Zonderwater Correctional Facility
Saturday, October 4, 2008
Take my life in your hands
There is so much to say and no words which can ever ease the pain and
hurt. The only thing I can do is place my life in your hands and let you
decide what to do with it, if you want my life take it for it is the least
I can do.
Adam, Zonderwater
hurt. The only thing I can do is place my life in your hands and let you
decide what to do with it, if you want my life take it for it is the least
I can do.
Adam, Zonderwater
Friday, October 3, 2008
Message from Mark Johnson: July 2008
The biggest (baddest) guys turn into the biggest carers.
Resentment – I have a part in everything: sometimes it is that I don’t enter wrong with my thoughts – ie bad thoughts lead to bad things. I wish my enemies good things. I pray that one day they will see what I do.
Amends – the first part is acknowledging that it’s wrong. The second is not remaining in the practise. The third is helping others.
Mark Johnson talking to Portia from Khulisa during his July 2008 visit.
For more info on Mark, go to www.mark-johnson.org.uk
Resentment – I have a part in everything: sometimes it is that I don’t enter wrong with my thoughts – ie bad thoughts lead to bad things. I wish my enemies good things. I pray that one day they will see what I do.
Amends – the first part is acknowledging that it’s wrong. The second is not remaining in the practise. The third is helping others.
Mark Johnson talking to Portia from Khulisa during his July 2008 visit.For more info on Mark, go to www.mark-johnson.org.uk
Message from Nanette Minnaar – Facilitator of the Programme at Zonderwater
A son and his dad were walking on the mountains.
Suddenly, his son falls, hurts and screams: “AAAhhhhhhhhhh!
To his surprise, he hears the voice repeating, somewhere in the mountain: “AAAhhhhhhhhh!
Curious, he yells: “Who are you?”
He receives the answer: “Who are you?”
Angered at the response, he screams: “Coward!”
He receives the answer: “Coward!”
He looks to his father and asks: “What’s going on?”
The father smiles and says: “My son, pay attention.”
And then he screams to the mountain: “I admire you! The voice answers: “I admire you!”
Again the man screams: “You are a champion!” The voice answers: “You are a champion!”
The boy is surprised, but does not understand.
Then the father explains: “People call this ECHO, but really this is LIFE.
It gives you back everything you say or do.
Our lives are simply a reflection of our actions.
If you want more love in the world,
create more love in the world.
If you want more competence in your team,
improve your competence.
This relationship applies to everything,
in all aspects of life,
Life will give you back everything you have given to it.
Suddenly, his son falls, hurts and screams: “AAAhhhhhhhhhh!
To his surprise, he hears the voice repeating, somewhere in the mountain: “AAAhhhhhhhhh!
Curious, he yells: “Who are you?”
He receives the answer: “Who are you?”
Angered at the response, he screams: “Coward!”
He receives the answer: “Coward!”
He looks to his father and asks: “What’s going on?”
The father smiles and says: “My son, pay attention.”
And then he screams to the mountain: “I admire you! The voice answers: “I admire you!”
Again the man screams: “You are a champion!” The voice answers: “You are a champion!”
The boy is surprised, but does not understand.
Then the father explains: “People call this ECHO, but really this is LIFE.
It gives you back everything you say or do.
Our lives are simply a reflection of our actions.
If you want more love in the world,
create more love in the world.
If you want more competence in your team,
improve your competence.
This relationship applies to everything,
in all aspects of life,
Life will give you back everything you have given to it.
Silence the Violence Magazine - Zonderwater
Break The Chain of Slavery2008
Magazine
“For to be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances freedom of others.”
Dr. Nelson Mandela
Booklet written by : Zonderwater Inmates
Graphics and Layout: Bridget Makhonza
Typing and edited by: Bridget Makhonza
Bridget is an ex-offender and currently employed by Khulisa as a Programme Assistant.
MESSAGE FROM BRIDGET:
YOU CAN MAKE IT AND YOU CAN CHANGE IT, BUT IT ONLY BEGINS WITHIN YOU.
BEAR NO GRUDGES AS IT OPPRESSES THE POSITIVE ENERGY THAT YOU POSSESS.LIVE LIFE DREAMING BIG, YOU WILL NEVER KNOW WHAT TODAY MIGHT BRING!!!
GOOD LUCK! HOPING YOU WILL ENJOY READING THIS!
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Access to Justice for All
No one is above the law, no matter how famous you are, no matter how much money you have, no matter how educated you are - justice must play his role.
Let us open a new page of not compromising the Law.
C.R.I.M.E. : Crippling Related Identity Matters Economy
F.E.A.R. False Evidence Appears Real
We need to change our falsehood in our community and our family.
The statues of crime need to be demolished.
Reality story: you are the same, no matter how brilliant you are.
Michael, Zonderwater Correctional Facility
Let us open a new page of not compromising the Law.
C.R.I.M.E. : Crippling Related Identity Matters Economy
F.E.A.R. False Evidence Appears Real
We need to change our falsehood in our community and our family.
The statues of crime need to be demolished.
Reality story: you are the same, no matter how brilliant you are.
Michael, Zonderwater Correctional Facility
We can't always be happy in life
Pain is part of life; it is not easy to accept disappointment or regret in life. But we must remember that life is a cycle and there are times of happiness and sadness. It is impossible to be happy and successful all the time. We should learn to accept the regrets od the disappointments and face life challenges.
I have noticed that many people tend to give up without trying. When that fall they loose all hope and start developing negative thoughts/attitude without giving another try.
To students: please note that failure visits everyone. Learn to accept it, never thing of committing suicide or doing anything stupid to yourself, as that will cause pain and affest many people than you have expected. Try again, and eventually you will reach your goal.
I know that disappointments and regrets have destroyed marriages, divided Families, Relationships, Companies. So to all Parents, please if your child fails at school or at tertiary level or fail in everything he/she wants to achieve, rally behind him/her. Do not despair. Keep encouraging him/her until the end.
To all Job seekers who point fingers at our government or blame God for not being employed, please take my words that one day Almighty God will open doors for you, please never loose hope because one of these good days you will smile again/
Rem,eer we are all valuable to God and He knows what he got in store for us, so let's just be patiant with Him and keep praying. When ever one come across difficulties or one need somthing he/she can't reach let's wait for him to respond to our requests and consider that the world is too big and God can not answer us all at the same time.
We know that God is there and He adore us all and He got plans for each and everyone of our lives.
Tshepo, Zonderwater Correctional Facility
I have noticed that many people tend to give up without trying. When that fall they loose all hope and start developing negative thoughts/attitude without giving another try.
To students: please note that failure visits everyone. Learn to accept it, never thing of committing suicide or doing anything stupid to yourself, as that will cause pain and affest many people than you have expected. Try again, and eventually you will reach your goal.
I know that disappointments and regrets have destroyed marriages, divided Families, Relationships, Companies. So to all Parents, please if your child fails at school or at tertiary level or fail in everything he/she wants to achieve, rally behind him/her. Do not despair. Keep encouraging him/her until the end.
To all Job seekers who point fingers at our government or blame God for not being employed, please take my words that one day Almighty God will open doors for you, please never loose hope because one of these good days you will smile again/
Rem,eer we are all valuable to God and He knows what he got in store for us, so let's just be patiant with Him and keep praying. When ever one come across difficulties or one need somthing he/she can't reach let's wait for him to respond to our requests and consider that the world is too big and God can not answer us all at the same time.
We know that God is there and He adore us all and He got plans for each and everyone of our lives.
Tshepo, Zonderwater Correctional Facility
Focus on the Positive
You cannot spend an hour looking at the dead in the mortuary - come out and praise god.
Because whenever you spend your time focusing on negative things, you eventually shape your mind and vision.
Jackson, Zonderwater Correctional Facility
Because whenever you spend your time focusing on negative things, you eventually shape your mind and vision.
Jackson, Zonderwater Correctional Facility
Know Me Well
I have known change, only love is still lovely and the sun still rises in the east, wherever I open my eyes, I see the price.
Feel my pain, feel my sorrow, and feel it cut through my heart like a sharp knife through the neck of a cow.
You possess my heart like a god, I owe you endless praises.
Let's live our lives with the idea that we are left with one day only and today is that one day. Let ys stop ignorave saying we will do things tomorrow, let's live our life as if there is no tomorrow. Missing a dozen opportunity does not make one a failure, there are many locked doors and you must try to open the right one. Never give up easily, god will answer our prayers. It takes twelve years from grade one to grade 12, plus tertiary education, but some people give up easily after lookin for a job for only 12 months. So be patient!
I would like to learn to make things right; I have lived my life with lies, pain and hatred. But now I am prepared to take responsibility for the wrongs I have done and say I am sorry to all the people I have hurt. I am ready to start afresh.
My goals are now to serve my community which I have wronged. The sun rises and shines only for us while the world will walk in the dark. What we have created ourselves, only we can tear apart; you'll be my sunshine for my entire life.
If the Correctional Services and Khulisa are placing such a reat trust on my to allow me to be here, I have known change and I am going to change. And the true change is from within me; no one is going to change me, but me!
I have chosen to feel happy, not angry. Happiness is a choice you cannot depend on someone else for. That was the lesson I learned at this stage of my life. I have learned that my happiness depends on me, and not my friend's actions. I learned to choose to be happy, you can choose your emotions, true happiness comes from within. I choose it because that's what I want to experience in my life - I'd rather be happy than be angry. Change is difficult, and does not happen over night.
I have run out of words so I will pit a fullstop at the end of this sentence.
Meshack, Life Sentence Imprisonment at Zonderwater Medium A
Feel my pain, feel my sorrow, and feel it cut through my heart like a sharp knife through the neck of a cow.
You possess my heart like a god, I owe you endless praises.
Let's live our lives with the idea that we are left with one day only and today is that one day. Let ys stop ignorave saying we will do things tomorrow, let's live our life as if there is no tomorrow. Missing a dozen opportunity does not make one a failure, there are many locked doors and you must try to open the right one. Never give up easily, god will answer our prayers. It takes twelve years from grade one to grade 12, plus tertiary education, but some people give up easily after lookin for a job for only 12 months. So be patient!
I would like to learn to make things right; I have lived my life with lies, pain and hatred. But now I am prepared to take responsibility for the wrongs I have done and say I am sorry to all the people I have hurt. I am ready to start afresh.
My goals are now to serve my community which I have wronged. The sun rises and shines only for us while the world will walk in the dark. What we have created ourselves, only we can tear apart; you'll be my sunshine for my entire life.
If the Correctional Services and Khulisa are placing such a reat trust on my to allow me to be here, I have known change and I am going to change. And the true change is from within me; no one is going to change me, but me!
I have chosen to feel happy, not angry. Happiness is a choice you cannot depend on someone else for. That was the lesson I learned at this stage of my life. I have learned that my happiness depends on me, and not my friend's actions. I learned to choose to be happy, you can choose your emotions, true happiness comes from within. I choose it because that's what I want to experience in my life - I'd rather be happy than be angry. Change is difficult, and does not happen over night.
I have run out of words so I will pit a fullstop at the end of this sentence.
Meshack, Life Sentence Imprisonment at Zonderwater Medium A
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
My Inspiration - Meshack, Zonderwater Correctional Facility
Hi!my name is Meshack and I am not good in talking because I am stammering yet I am good at writing to express how I feel deep down. I'm not dumb or dishonest, I am a human being just like anybody else and I am special.
I am great full to those who give us hope, love, understanding and knowledge to know what is wrong and righting our daily lives. I want to give thanks to the social workers and the Khulisa people in Zonderwater correctional services to take care to rejoin us.
I was a violent person before bit now I can see clarly, and without you I would be nothing. I need you more than you need me.
In this Silence the Violence programme I have learn so many things, but my favourite session was non-violent communication module.
Four steps to clear communication which is information, feelings, thought and request. My best important person in life it me. I must live with myself until I die. Others may come and go, but i'll remain with myself until the end.
Description is the best form of communication, because it keeps peoples interest up and stimulates them. Time and again we keep telling ourselves that we will start tomorrow. When are we going to realise that tomorrow is in the calender of fools.
M.M. on Women
August has been come and gone. August has been declared woman's month. I don't know why we don't declared women's day our whole entire life to honour women. But woman with low or no morals don't really deserve the praises. I'm talking about the incident at the University of Limpopo's turf loop campus where a baby was aborted in a rubbish bin. Women who don't care.
This month we must take care of women irrespective of their weaknesses. Women abuse must be stopped. This message is directed to all men. Real men says no to abuse of women and children. We were born by woman, so why do we abuse them, instead of thanking them for what they did for us. It is a privilege to have women around us. I want to say keep up the good work you are doing in many years to come.
I like to say happy celebration to the entire woman of South Africa and globally.
M.M. , Zonderwater Correctional Facility
Tembisa
"The programme changed my attitude; I now respect my parents and everyone in my community."
School Child, Tembisa
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