Laizo Hangana, a 37-year-old former gangster from Philippi, has turned his life around after spending a decade behind bars at Pollsmoor Prison. He was convicted of armed robbery, carjacking, and attempted murder at the age of 24 and sentenced to 16 years, but served 10 years for good behaviour. Hangana is now dedicating his time to inspiring young people to break free from the cycle of crime and gangsterism.
Hangana's past experiences have had a profound impact on his life. He reflects on the glamorous image of gangsterism, saying it hides a painful reality. He urges young boys to stay away from crime, focus on their education, and build a better future. His time behind bars brought personal losses, including the death of his mother to lung problems on a morning when she was supposed to attend a court date during his trial.
The loss of his mother deeply affected Hangana, and he began to re-evaluate his life choices. A former schoolmate, who represented him as a lawyer, became an important source of motivation and encouraged him to reconsider the direction of his life. Hangana says he blamed himself for his mother's death and knew he needed to change his life around. He decided to change his life after asking himself how he became involved in crime.
Today, Hangana is taking his message directly to young people through motivational talks, sharing the realities of prison life and the consequences of criminal choices. He has started his own podcast, Room50, where he opens up about his experiences behind bars, his past involvement in crime, and the lessons he learnt during his 10 years in prison. Through his story, he hopes to reach young boys in communities such as Philippi before they become trapped in the cycle of crime.
Hangana's transformation is a reminder that people can change and that a criminal past does not have to define the rest of one's life. He believes that education is key to building a better future and urges young people to focus on their studies. By sharing his experiences, Hangana aims to inspire young people to make positive choices and avoid the consequences of gangsterism.
The impact of Hangana's message is evident in the lives of young people he has reached through his motivational talks and podcast. His story serves as a testament to the power of second chances and the importance of education in shaping one's future. As he continues to share his experiences, Hangana hopes to make a lasting impact on the lives of young people in Philippi and beyond.
Hangana's efforts to inspire young people have been recognised by the community, with many praising his dedication to helping others. His story is a shining example of how one person can make a difference in the lives of others. By sharing his experiences and message, Hangana aims to continue inspiring young people to choose education over crime and build a better future for themselves.
Key points
- Laizo Hangana, a former Pollsmoor inmate, is using his experiences to warn young people about the consequences of gangsterism and inspire them to choose education.
