Eastern Cape entertainer and security businessman Mlindelwa Tyekana, popularly known as ManB, visited the John X Merriman Correctional Centre in Cambridge on Tuesday to donate sports gear to young inmates.
The donation, which included kits for male and female prisoners, was made under the theme “A child in sport never goes to court” as part of Tyekana’s latest initiative to steer young people away from criminal behaviour.
Speaking at the event, Tyekana said the programme was intended to help young offenders develop life skills and a sense of self-worth, offering them hope for a better future beyond prison.
Addressing the inmates, he emphasised that poverty should not be used as a justification for criminal activity and urged them to avoid negative influences.
Poverty should not be used as an excuse ... I also come from a very poor family and had to drop out of high school so my youngest siblings could study, but I didn’t do crime
“Poverty should not be used as an excuse ... I also come from a very poor family and had to drop out of high school so my youngest siblings could study, but I didn’t do crime,” he said.
Tyekana also spoke about another initiative he runs, Umntu Akalahlwa, which focuses on supporting individuals after their release from prison and exploring the root causes that may have led to their offending.
He acknowledged the South African government’s challenges in rehabilitating former prisoners and called for greater collaboration from those in a position to help.
Tyekana expressed his hope that such interventions would bring about positive change in communities and reduce crime, warning that the ongoing rise in criminal activity would eventually affect all households, particularly those with young girls.
Social worker Babalwa Mqushulu-Madyibi also addressed the gathering of 1,000 inmates aged between 13 and 16, highlighting the broader benefits of sport.
“Sport brings racial and ethnic unity. It brings people of various backgrounds under one roof. It boosts your confidence and gives you a sense of discipline,” she said.
“Through sporting engagements, the youth can be occupied and easily swayed away from crime.”
The correctional centre’s deputy head, Nthuthu Gugwana, said the facility offered tailored programmes to help prepare the inmates for reintegration into society.
“These kids are not angels, they’ve committed crimes. But we’re now trying to rebuild them with the spirit of ubuntu,” Gugwana said.
She said the centre enrolled the young offenders in mental health and personal development programmes, but more support was needed from both communities and the private sector.
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