NICRO Mpumalanga, which renders core services in terms of three of the organisation’s national programmes, first launched its services in the province with the opening of its Standerton office in 1993. A year later the Nelspruit office opened its doors, and subsequently went on to become the headquarters of the provincial office.

Diversion and Youth Development

The Diversion and Youth Development Programme is offered in the communities of Nelspruit, Kabokweni, White River, Hazyview, Standerton, Volksrust, Bethal, Tonga and Waterval Boven. Diversion services are also offered from the courts of Tonga and Barberton where volunteers are permanently based. These services involve the channelling of high-risk young people and those who have committed crime, away from the criminal justice system into programmes that make them accountable for their actions and responsible for attempting to repair the resultant damage. The intervention has proved to be highly successful in preventing repeat offending and offers children and young people significant developmental opportunities to turn their lives around.

Economic Opportunities Project

The Economic Opportunities Project equips NICRO clients, primarily young offenders, high-risk young people, women, former offenders and other marginalised vulnerable individuals, with the necessary skills and tools for economic re-engagement or to start and improve their own micro enterprises in both the formal and informal sector. The Start and Improve Your Business entrepreneurial training programme, which is recognised by the International Labour Organisation (ILO), is complemented by comprehensive follow-up, mentorship and after-care support services.

Our economic empowerment services are rendered from NICRO Mpumalanga’s provincial office in Nelspruit. Project beneficiaries, the vast majority of whom are from African Black communities, primarily reside in Nelspruit, Kanyamazane, Kabokweni, Tekwane North and South, White River, Hazyview, Tonga, Bushbuckridge, Matsulu, West Acres, Kamagugu, Mahushu, Naas and Graskop.

Offender Reintegration

NICRO’s Offender Reintegration Programme was designed and is implemented to assist and support offenders, former offenders and their families. Once former offenders take one the challenge of changing the course of their lives, an enabling environment supporting their efforts towards constructive living is crucial. Without such opportunities, former offenders have little chance at success and may return to a life of crime. The Tough Enough Programme, the primary component of our offender reintegration services, strengthens the capacity of former offenders to make amends and assists them to become responsible, productive, law-abiding citizens. This, in turn, contributes significantly to the reduction of crime and recidivism in South Africa.

In addition to rendering support services to walk-in clients, the majority of whom are former offenders or family members of persons serving a prison sentence, our Offender Reintegration Programme includes the following components:

The Tough Enough Programme (TEP) offered in the Nelspruit Prison;
The Esther Lategan Study Fund (providing bursaries for both imprisoned TEP participants and the children of imprisoned persons);
The Creative Arts Competition;
The Mentorship Programme, which provides support and guidance for released Tough Enough Programme participants ; and
Family support services.

Roll of Honour

NICRO Mpumalanga would like to pay tribute to and extend a special thank you to all our donors and loyal benefactors. We are particularly indebted to:

The National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund, the Standard Bank Foundation , the ABSA Foundation and the Anglo American Chairman’s Fund for their generous and committed support;
Our governmental and non-governmental partners in the province – we achieve service excellence as a result of our working together to serve our communities; and
Our volunteers who give selflessly of themselves to serve others.

Would You Consider Helping Us to Make a Difference?

NICRO Mpumalanga has a small staff compliment of only seven personnel. Volunteers greatly assist us to increase our capacity and render more widespread, effective services. In exchange for their vital support and contributions, volunteers are afforded the chance of attending workshops, training sessions and accessing self-development opportunities. If you are able to volunteer your services or expertise, please contact the relevant staff member below and offer your assistance, or e-mail us at nicromp@wn.apc.org .

Diversion and Youth Development:	Tshepo Mokgope or Florence Makola
Economic Opportunities Project:	Vusimuzi Mpangane
Offender Reintegration:	Francinah Mgwenya
Administrative Volunteer:	Mikateko Ndlovu
Office Assistant:	Beauty Dlamini

Volunteers are needed:

To assist us in facilitating the life-skills component of the Youth Empowerment Scheme and Journey Programmes for young offenders;
To mentor young people;
As business mentors for clients with newly established micro enterprises;
As community support people for those released from prison;
To mentor former offenders;
As administrative and fundraising assistants;
As event organisers; and
To assist with building maintenance.

Alternatively, any donations in cash or kind, no matter how big or small, would be deeply appreciated. We are in urgent need of:

New office furniture,
Paint for office buildings, and
Window blinds.

News Flash – A Success Story, One of Many

An Economic Opportunities Project client, who owns a general dealership and photographic studio in Kanyamazane, is in the process of expanding his business concern to include a car wash component after having completed the NICRO Start and Improve Your Business entrepreneurial training programme. He attributes the success of his existing business and his ability to embark on this exciting new venture to the entrepreneurial training and mentoring services provided by NICRO Mpumalanga and our support with the implementation of the new knowledge and skills he acquired.