Tshapelo Chadder, an ex-inmate of Johannesburg (Sun City) prison told the Addie how he experienced Christmas in prison.
“It was not a nice experience because you know your family and friends are getting together and celebrating and you are in prison,” says Chadder.
He says the prison has different security during Christmas time and they lock-up earlier.
“It’s not an extremely special day in prison, but there are a few things that are different.”
The prisoners get a normal breakfast on Christmas day, but the wardens add either a little soya mince or a sausage and for lunch they get either rice and beef stew or chicken with juice.
“Our families are allowed to visit us on Christmas Day, depending on how well we behaved, they can spend up to an hour.”
He says the family can even have a braai at the prison, but that the inmates aren’t allowed to braai with, so the family brings them food afterwards.
The inmates go to a church service where they will get small gifts such as a face cloth.
Olivia Mothapo, from the Modderbee Management Area, says they become creative by decorating the cells to create a festive mood.
“The way inmates celebrate Christmas differs from section to section, offenders that attend church celebrate and arrange a special service on the day,” she says.
She adds that while they try their best to make it a special day, it will never be the same as out there.
