THE appeals to integrate ex-convicts to society has in many times fallen on deaf ears at national and provincial government levels, but our own municipality has afforded the opportunity to mend their ways to a group of “former” law transgressors, who had earlier picketed and begged for equal employment opportunities.
Most have done prison time and struggled to fit in within our society.
Prejudice, stigma, and fear clouded people’s minds, hence their name “Oomashaya”, loosely translated as “those who rob/steal”
Even though this sigh of relief is only temporarily, it sure will teach “Oomashaya” that everyone will “work by the sweat of their brow” and that they are also capable of earning an honest living.
This is an opportunity for the ex-convict to prove themselves to society that is very judgmental, by taking pride in their assigned duties.
Or they will belong to the book of shame and exchange the municipality’s orange uniform for the one familiar to all ex-cons.
Kwezi Shumi
. 
