Offenders share experience, Christmas behind bars

The festive season is here and Review interviewed a few female offenders at the Polokwane Correctional Centre and asked how they experience Christmas

Leana Bester (28) says this time of the year is the most difficult and painful. "I miss my family and the delicious food we eat on Christmas day. I have three beautiful children, and it hurts that I cannot wish them a merry Christmas or see their faces light up when they open their Christmas gifts. There isn't much that we do at the centre, on Christmas eve we wait for midnight and wish each other merry Christmas and than sleep. I normally sleep the day away."

POLOKWANE – The festive season is here and Review interviewed a few female offenders at the Polokwane Correctional Centre and asked how they experience Christmas at the centre and what are their feelings this time of the year. This is what they had to say:

Bongani Mathebula (33) says it is difficult to put into words the emotions she goes through this time of the year.
“It is my fifth Christmas here. I miss going to church and being with my children. This is the time of the year that we would bake and cook in preparation for Christmas day.”

Mpho Ramapela (36) says this time of the year is when she miss her child and family most.
“My family comes to visit me for that hour of visitation, but it is not the same as being at home spending Christmas with them. At the centre, Christmas is like any other day, but at home it is a very special day. We would prepare lunch as a family and than get dressed for church. After church we would have a big family lunch. To push time I do beadwork, helps me keep my mind off home.”

Joyce Ndlovu (54) says she misses her family a lot this time of the year, especially her children.
“I miss being a mother to them, making sure they have everything they need for Christmas. If I was at home, we would be baking and doing other preparations for Christmas. To keep my mind busy I make mats out of plastic bags.”

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