The Social Support Office in partnership with Health and Wellness, Protection Services and the Department of Correctional Services, hosted the Offenders’ Dialogue across all three campuses. The programme took place on 18 May 2024 at the Qwaqwa campus, and on 27 July 2024 at both the South and Bloemfontein campuses.
The initiative aimed to educate and empower ‘the boy child’ by raising awareness about the consequences of crime. It created a space for open conversations, highlighting real-life experiences and choices that lead either to transformation or imprisonment. The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) supported the event, although the South African Police Service (SAPS) was unable to attend the events.
Key themes explored included Life in Prison, where students were exposed to the harsh realities of incarceration, and Living with the Stigma of a Criminal Record, which addressed societal prejudice and the difficulties faced by ex-offenders.
Deputy Director: Residence and Housing, Zakhele Mdluli, opened the dialogue by acknowledging the rise in youth crime and encouraging students to think critically about their life choices. Eric Duma, Deputy Director: Protection Services, reinforced the importance of self-discipline and informed decision-making.
A powerful moment in the programme was the testimony of reformed parolees who shared stories of personal transformation. These real-life accounts gave students a glimpse into the criminal justice system and the road to rehabilitation. The DCS also presented its reintegration programmes as part of the dialogue.
The Offenders’ Dialogue aligned with UFS’s commitment to student well-being, social responsibility and the development of positive masculinity. It supports the university’s Vision 130 goal of empowering students to make impactful, ethical contributions to society.