The National Institute for Crime Prevention and the Reintegration of Offenders (Nicro) has urged companies and businesses to employ ex convicts, in order for them to be re-integrated back into society. Nicro has launched a project which aims to help rehabilitated offenders get jobs.

Nicro spokesperson Jacques Sibomana said if an ex offender comes out of prison and into their communities they are faced with many challenges. The main challenge is supporting a household and paying expenses. They are constantly faced with a stigma that they need to fight.

“No one is willing to assist them and they find it difficult to get a source of income. They would not be able to contribute which could see them turning back to the life they once lived,” he explained.

Finding a source of income is often the hardest task that ex offenders is faced with, but Nicro believes this is a vital part of the re-integration process.

Nicro encouraging ex offenders to submit their details as well as the skills so the organisation can create a database for employers. Nicro encourages the community, local businesses and employers to make use of their database.

When asked about the risks involved for business, Sibomana said that when ex offenders are pressured into finding jobs, often times the pressure is even more from friends to join the world of gangs and drugs to make a living. This results in an increase of crime.

“Often times it is a more stressful issue to restore dignity.” VOC (Imogen Vollenhoven)