Rehabilitation

Nkhokwe Arts Group performances not only educate communities about their legal rights and the consequences of crime, but provide employment for the members of the theatre group who are paid a stipend for each performance. The group also provides ex-prisoners with a forum to discuss the difficulties they face after leaving prison.

The group often performs in communities/districts where the group members originate and consider that this helps to reduce the stigmas they face in communities and makes their reintegration easier. ‘Village Visits’ to each members’ home community are carried out to directly address the stigma that they face, promoting reacceptance and forgiveness by the community –

“People used to treat us like nothing, but now it’s much better, we chat together and they aren’t discriminating anymore. The workshops help me and my family a lot, the things I was missing in my life I have found” (Kumbokani - Group Member).