TONGA – Tonga View primary school received a surprise visit from the correctional services last Wednesday. According to Nicholus Lubisi, the school’s principal, he applied for an assistant for the school. “We sent a letter to the department of correctional services to help us cultivate and plough our gargen.

Since we do not have general workers in the school, we were desperately in need of help,” said Lubisi. With more than 20 parolees, the correctional service department came into Tonga View primary and did the assigned job correctly.

According to Thoko Silinda Ngubane, who is responsible for the parolees in the Tonga sector, the parolees are working specifically in public places. “We send them into schools, hospitals, clinics and other public places that need help,” explained Thoko.

One of the parolees, Patrick Matsebula, could not hide his joy for being given parole. “I was arrested in 1999 and sentenced to 15 years. I spent 10 years imprisoned and the parolee program is fixing my life,” said Matsebula.

Matesebula, who is a father of three, said that his life has changed and that correctional service’s rehabilitation program has helped him realize the value of his life. “I am now desperately searching for a job, and if I can find work I believe I can be able to take a full, safe responsibility of my life,” said Matsebula. Matsebula explained that he is a great cook, and is looking for help finding a job. “I am a trained cook and can work in a restaurant or guest homes. I am also good in hospitality,” said Matsebula. Anyone who can help Matsebula can contact him at 072 932 3269.