Prison journalism: The Monotonous Prison Life and the Transformation through Sports

Prison journalism: The Monotonous Prison Life and the Transformation through SportsJonno Knowles was incarcerated in Pollsmoor Prison and participated in restorative justice while inside the prison.

by Jonno Knowles

23-10-2023 16:20

in Prison Journalism

Jonno Knowles was incarcerated in Pollsmoor Prison and participated in restorative justice while inside the prison.

Image by unsplash

I recall a day when the sports events were to take place, and this is a vibe that is real. The prison is very monotonous, to say the least. However, when there are events, reinterpreting DCS sports or book club (more on this later), the atmosphere is one that switches. Everyone is upbeat, and the banter flows aplenty. The quietest fellas are usually the better ones at sports. The whole idea in prison is to pretend to be tough, and the tougher guys are generally the quieter ones. The talent is also in abundance.

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Preparing for the Tournament and the Spirit of Rugby At the RTS, we had little preparation and were expecting a hiding. Strict security measures let's not forget that we are in prison here. The preparation issue was a result of the fact that the quietest fellas are usually better at sports. The whole idea in prison is to pretend. The talent is also in abundance. At the time, the Department of Sport and Recreation had a tournament going on. This was in partnership with DCS. We had little preparation and were expecting strict security measures. Lest we forget that we are in prison here. The preparation issue was a result of the strict security measures in place. Basically, if selected, we were to travel to another prison that was reorganized to play against other departments.

Some of the older and more organized prisons were already competing in the local leagues, and, as one knows all too well, RUGBY is very well-loved and passionately played at all levels. I guess it is a case of only 33 can make the national squad, and only 22 will play. Therefore, the rest of the rugby-mad nation were to play as if the Springbok colors were on the line. Contrary to popular belief, we did not play dirty and did not go about holding shanks in our socks for the scrum.

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A Good and Successful Tournament Once again, the whole week was well-organized, and some of the team selections were dubious. This is, again, due to the system that the fellas abide by in the prison. The tournament was a success, and we built new alliances and friends, most unlikely. During RWC time, things heat up, and we all get into the mode of WC heroes. We all want to be the best. The tour was fun, and we managed to finish 4 out of 7. Not bad as we really were a bunch of renegades. That's the name we gave our team. No serious injuries and loads of respect for each other.

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

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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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