Minister of Justice and Correctional Services, Adv. Michael Masutha, will be renaming the only state owned Halfway House in the country, Victory House which is situated in Naturena, South of Johannesburg in honour of the late Councillor Ms Nonhlanhla Lettie “Stompie” Mthembu.
 
Councillor Mthembu played a nodal role in stemming community buy-in and mobilisation in support of the Halfway House when it was first established back in 2012.  She has since tragically passed away.
 
The concept of Community Based Residential Facilities (CBRF), also known as halfway houses is fundamental to the successful reintegration of offenders into communities. It aims to provide an alternative support system for parolees and probationers who do not get support or are not in good terms with their families and community members.
 
The percentage of offenders without support systems is arguably higher in correctional centres and the Department of Correctional Services (DCS) has a limited capacity to provide secure and humane conditions for all under its (DCS) care. Halfway Houses are meant to relieve pressure in our centres and also play a major role in the reintegration of offenders back into society.
 
Media is invited to cover the event as follows:
Venue: Johannesburg Management Area
Date:    13 December 2018
Time:   10h00 (am)
 
We wish to request media attending to please confirm attendance by sending their details to Ms Thulaganyo Moagi at Thulaganyo.moagi@dcs.gov.za or 012 420 0211.
 
Enquiries: Mocheta Monama – 083 555 2188
 
Issued by GCIS on behalf of the Department of Correctional Services
12 December 2018