AN EX-GANG member who is now a barber and pastor is helping learners from his community in Factreton look fresh for their back-to-school with free haircuts.
Reuben Stone, 28, was once a member of the Numbers gang in Factreton, Kensington and returned to this Sunday for a different purpose – to give back to the youth in the same neighbourhood he once terrorised.
Boys lined up at local war councillor Cheslyn Steenberg’s home from 10am to get their hair cut and looking smart before the 2026 school year begins on Wednesday.
Reuben, who has transformed to lem for good, said that he was more than eager to serve his community.
He told the Daily Voice: “I wanted to cut the boys hair not just because I grew up in the area but because I was involved with crime and gangsterism back then within the Factreton community.
“I was sentenced to seven to ten years in prison and was released on 1 September 2023. Coming out with a different mindset and perspective on life caused me to want to render my service back because I was affiliated with those who would put the community in an unsafe state.
Reuben gave his life to Christ on 27 March 2021 while in Victor Verster Prison, now called the Drakenstein Correctional Centre.
He has since been involved with prison ministry, leading many out of gangsterism in prison and speaking to the youth.
He got a bursary at Kalk Bay College where he studied Theology and graduated as a senior Theologian and is now registered as a Pastor in Ministerial working and religious studies.
Reuben added: “It truly makes me happy to give back and try to motivate them to become better where they find themselves. I believe that they will good.”
Meanwhile innie Bonteheuwel, Gentspride Barbershop owner Adiel Salie teamed up with ward councillor Angus McKenzie to give boys and girls in the area a good hair day for this week’s return to school.
Salie said: “It was a very good outcome for all the underprivileged kids. It was great to see how we all did this thing together.
“The people were so appreciative, because the kids know us and maybe some kids can’t afford to cut hair and yesterday was their day to pick a barber where they want to have their hair cut.”