In 2007 Masupatsela Series I featured a story on the Group of Hope at the maximum security Brandvlei Prison in Worcester.  The men – all prisoners – in the story wanted to reach out to fellow prisoners, HIV positive people and the children living in the communities around the prison. They hoped to provide the children with the attention and support that many of them do not get.

Thabo with Children from Sinethemba

Inmate with Children from Sinethemba

The story was a winner! Everyone loved the idea of hardened criminals with hearts of gold showing the world that there was more to them and that rehabilitation could happen where we least expect it to. We told the story of the Group of Hope through Thabo Zondo, who was in prison with a life sentence for murder. We shot at an Open Day at Brandvlei when the families of the Group of Hope prisoners visited to see the various crafts they had produced and also to hear about the outstanding community work they were doing.

Johan with a Child from Sinethemba

Thabo and his Girlfriend

In 2009 Mr Pansegrouw, the social worker who started the Group of Hope with the prisoners, tells us that a number of the prisoners from the group have been moved from Brandvlei to medium security prisons. Amongst these prisoners is Thabo, who has been moved to Goodwood Prison where he will be closer to his family. As if that were not enough, Mr Pansegrouw reports that Thabo may be released in 2010.

We are hopeful that the Group of Hope may be able to offer its members another chance in society.