Prison Journalism: Letter to my mothersThabo Mthembu was incarcerated in Pollsmoor Prison from 2014 to 2019. Read Thabo's story
by Thabo Mthembu
17-05-2024 09:45
in Prison Journalism
prison journalism Image via pexels
Born in the 80s with many social and political changes happening and losing my father at the tender age of eight did not make things any easier. We were three in our household: Mother, elder sister, and me.
--
Gratitude to Mother and Sister I want to say thank you to Mother and Sister for everything. You both were the best two mothers a young man could ever have had growing up.
I was twenty-two when you tragically passed away. Yet, on my journey, I've felt your presence through different people from all walks of life, even when I was in prison.
Tribute to All Mothers Thank you to all mothers, women who, even with their own adversities and lives to live, still make time to help and have a positive impact on all those they encounter. Even if things may look bleak, know that you are a light for someone who may be on the verge of giving up on life. Don't stop being who you are because you are affecting more positive changes in other people's lives than you know.
--
Special Thanks I need to say thank you to Lisa, head of Restorative Justice, for being a ray of hope and guidance who actually saved me in many ways as a voice of reason.
To my sister, for being a mother, father, and best friend, thanks for never giving up on me and actually loving me. To Aunty G.P for guidance The list can go on and on, so I want to say thank you to all you mothers out there being that ray of hope.
Moving Forward My step forward is to now show my gratitude by the changes I make and the decisions I take in reaching my goals.
--
My prayer is that God blesses you by awakening those you come in contact with to become the change in the world that youth can actually use as a stepping stone to greatness. By your actions of being human, we can transcend to the heights of a great nation, even though we have made our mistakes.
DISCLAIMER: Submission published as received
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
This project in collaboration with RESTORE currently works with formerly incarcerated young men in the communities.
If you have any questions you would like to ask our prison journalists, WhatsApp us on 060 011 0211.
Do you have contact with a prison inmate who would like to write for The South African website? If so, send an email to info@thesouthafrican.com or a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211.
You can also follow @TheSAnews on Twitter and The South African on Facebook to get the latest prison journalism articles
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Prison Journalism: Letter to my mothersThabo Mthembu was incarcerated in Pollsmoor Prison from 2014 to 2019. Read Thabo's story
