Prison journalism: A Journey towards rehabilitation

There are so many questions that I processed during the arrival. Not all of the Correctional Centres are run in the same manner. Yes, the idea behind the centers is standard. Rules, protocols, uniforms, and I could go on ad nauseam. However, the prisons (correctional centers) have varied purposes and shall, in fact, work towards the upkeep and set standards. Pride in one’s work should always be ranked highly on the list of boxes to be ticked. I will be blunt to save paper, ink, and time. 

The Evolution of Prison Culture

Until the turn of the century or thereabouts, the guards and, in short, all staff were either military personnel or former military personnel. One can imagine how much pride and discipline were instilled there. In recent years, they seem to have eased up. That could come as a direct result of the switch in the political regime. The military no longer had any responsibilities regarding the penal system. It is safe to say that this coincided with the revoking of the corporal punishment act. From the top, this, in layman’s terms, means:

• Death sentence (abolished)
• Public/police lashing (abolished)
• Lashing or canes (abolished)
• Spared of diet (abolished)
• Solitary confinement (acute practice)

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Correctional Center Activities

My mention of corporal punishment comes with a smart reason because now there is no punishment for saying ‘I don’t want to,’ whether the offenders were to work or simply not eat what the others were eating. In that era, beatings for disobedience and slow work were simply corrected by a lashing, then spared diet. Facilities vary in skills and function. The two are definitely related.

These are:

• production – agriculture centers, 
• production – textile centers, 
• educational – school/college centers (youth), 
• production – craft (furniture), 
• educational – skills development, 
• and production – supplies.

Some of the centers offer nothing! Why? Simply due to the fact that their primary activity is admission. Very rarely will you get much movement and offender activity, never beyond what is required. So, finally, around the question to self.

ALSO READ: Prison journalism: Addressing the need to prevent repeat offenses among ex-convicts

Challenges and Privileges

During the admission period, the only thing available to me was a bed. Once due process had played out, my feet were so ready to move. My brain was begging for stimulation! There is no choosing one’s destination. The P.C. spits out names randomly and assigns your travel. My desire was to go to any center that offered sports solutions. I am a keen and skilled sportsman, and I had it in mind that it would be best for me. Funny that life has never known what is best for me.

The case management committee had decided that traveling was not an option for me. Bummed! However, there was a desperate need for tutors and teachers. I thoroughly enjoyed the challenge and the privilege that came with it. Basically, I was free to move about Monday to Friday, from 08:00 to 14:30 (school hours). During weekends, I played sports and then rested on either Saturdays or Sundays. The biggest bit of privilege was that I spent every weekday with the girls as they needed schooling.

Should you wish to assist in the rehabilitation of former inmates and help put money into the pockets of those who have struggled to earn a living during and after incarceration, click HERE 

DISCLAIMER: Submission published as received

RESTORE is an NGO based in Cape Town, South Africa, providing inmates at Pollsmoor Prison with restorative justice opportunities.

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