A local businessman who hopes to help many former convicts regain their place in society, is using his own resources and money to see his wish come to fruition.
Mtobeli Maxatana, who owns Maxatana Funeral Directors in King William’s Town and a sound equipment business in East London, has provided permanent employment for one ex-convict and paid for the studies of two inmates.
He said he realised the need to assist prisoners during his many visits to the Fort Jackson prison, where he regularly provides music shows and entertainment for inmates.
“I started working with the prison in 2009 and through the conversations with inmates, I realised that some of them were scared of life outside prison. Not only because they lack skills to find themselves employment, but mostly because they have no support structure on the outside.”
Maxatana spoke to the prison head about identifying inmates who were about to be released and were interested in receiving education or employment.
“Then in 2012 I met Mawonga Krwala and I saw potential. He was smart and talented. I then enrolled him at the Fernwood Business College where, through distant learning, he was able to graduate last year with a certificate in marketing,” he said.
Maxatana, a married father of two, said he met Gunyazile Dyoba just a few weeks before his release, and who was now in his employ.
“He is 60 and had been in prison for well over 30 years. So I helped him with getting a social grant and I helped him start up his own business by giving him a brand new grass-cutting machine, so now he works for me during the week and attends to his business over weekends,” said Maxatana.
He said he wanted nothing in return but to send a message to the world that people did change and everyone deserved a second chance in life. “I only help those who are willing. I don’t expect any payment and I only wish that more and more people with means and resources will follow suit; this way we prevent ex-convicts from ending up back in prison,” said Maxatana.
Speaking to the Daily Dispatch yesterday, both Krwala and Dyoba had high praise for Maxatana, with Krwala calling him a “blessing”.
“He has become like a father figure because he has not only paid for my studies but cares for my whole wellbeing.
“He is fully involved in my life and I could never repay him for what he has done for me.
“I had already given up on an education and worried that I would always end up back in prison, but now I feel like a member of society, like I belong,” said Krwala.
Dyoba said he would probably be living on the streets if it was not for Maxatana.
“He told me and showed me that it is not too late to rebuild my life. Not only has he provided me with a way to sustain myself but he also secures clients for me, and on top of that he has given me a permanent job. He is a true godsend,” said Dyoba.
Former Fort Jackson prison head Marjorie Time said Maxatana was a good person who had helped ex-convicts get their lives back on track. — ziphon@dispatch.co.za
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Welcome helping hand for ex-cons
Mtobeli Maxatana, who owns Maxatana Funeral Directors in King William’s Town and a sound equipment business in East London, has provided permanent employment for one ex-convict and paid for the studies of two inmates.
He said he realised the need to assist prisoners during his many visits to the Fort Jackson prison, where he regularly provides music shows and entertainment for inmates.
“I started working with the prison in 2009 and through the conversations with inmates, I realised that some of them were scared of life outside prison. Not only because they lack skills to find themselves employment, but mostly because they have no support structure on the outside.”
Maxatana spoke to the prison head about identifying inmates who were about to be released and were interested in receiving education or employment.
“Then in 2012 I met Mawonga Krwala and I saw potential. He was smart and talented. I then enrolled him at the Fernwood Business College where, through distant learning, he was able to graduate last year with a certificate in marketing,” he said.
Maxatana, a married father of two, said he met Gunyazile Dyoba just a few weeks before his release, and who was now in his employ.
“He is 60 and had been in prison for well over 30 years. So I helped him with getting a social grant and I helped him start up his own business by giving him a brand new grass-cutting machine, so now he works for me during the week and attends to his business over weekends,” said Maxatana.
He said he wanted nothing in return but to send a message to the world that people did change and everyone deserved a second chance in life. “I only help those who are willing. I don’t expect any payment and I only wish that more and more people with means and resources will follow suit; this way we prevent ex-convicts from ending up back in prison,” said Maxatana.
Speaking to the Daily Dispatch yesterday, both Krwala and Dyoba had high praise for Maxatana, with Krwala calling him a “blessing”.
“He has become like a father figure because he has not only paid for my studies but cares for my whole wellbeing.
“He is fully involved in my life and I could never repay him for what he has done for me.
“I had already given up on an education and worried that I would always end up back in prison, but now I feel like a member of society, like I belong,” said Krwala.
Dyoba said he would probably be living on the streets if it was not for Maxatana.
“He told me and showed me that it is not too late to rebuild my life. Not only has he provided me with a way to sustain myself but he also secures clients for me, and on top of that he has given me a permanent job. He is a true godsend,” said Dyoba.
Former Fort Jackson prison head Marjorie Time said Maxatana was a good person who had helped ex-convicts get their lives back on track. — ziphon@dispatch.co.za
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