Prison Journalism: Understanding recidivism in South African prisons
25/04/2024
by Dean Mashimbwe
25-04-2024 09:27
in Prison Journalism
Prison
Photo: Pixabay.com
During my time of incarceration in Pollsmoor, I have witnessed one thing which is a major problem in South African prisons: recidivism.
--
The issue of recidivism Recidivism is a tendency of criminals to reoffend. It has become a routine for some inmates to go back and come to jail now and again. For instance, I have witnessed fellow inmates who were granted parole break the parole rules and come back to prison within 2 weeks. This is also the most common cause of gangsterism in prison, as some inmates, well experienced with jail, tend to recruit other new offenders as well.
Personal experience and causes Talking about myself, before I reformed, I went in and out of jail several times. I was in Pollsmoor 3 times with different sentences for one offence. The main cause for me to get in and out of jail was unemployment. I ended up stealing, conning people, and living a criminal life. The main reason which made me come back to jail was the environment I was living in-drug world, prostitution, crime, and other illegal activities.
The impact of recidivism on the prison system Recidivism is the main cause of South African jails being overcrowded, which leads to poor management of inmates. This leads to corruption and other illegal criminal activities. According to my own research, in other countries, recidivism has caused some inmates to escape the prison because they are used to prison life and go and come back to jail now and again. In South African jails, inmates are not given enough punishment so that they can learn and have experience that jail time is not good. There are a lot of drug addicts who live in the streets; their main activity is to practice illegal activities, which includes smoking drugs.
--
Reintegration efforts and personal transformation Lack of reintegration into society has caused inmates to go back to jail. As a matter of fact, we currently have the PAR research group, which helps us a lot about going back to prison. Me and other former inmates meet once or twice a month learning; this keeps us busy and we learn about several things which teaches us not to go back to jail. It's been almost 6 years now ever since I got released from jail. Because of PAR, I have never had a thought of going back to jail again.
Efforts to reduce recidivism However, the prison has been making a lot of efforts to reduce recidivism by providing programs to prisoners such as restorative justice where inmates learn a lot about coming back to prison after you have been released. Unchanging lifestyle and going back to the same communities have caused a lot of recidivism where inmates go to jail and still commit the same crime they have committed before. But the major cause which makes inmates go back to jail is unemployment. According to the solo research I have made after I was released from jail, is that 80% of the youth in South Africa is unemployed. This causes the youth to use most of their time smoking drugs and committing crime, which makes them go back and come to prison again.
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
Wil jy geld spaar op jou versekeringspremies? Kliek hier vir 10 top wenke!
LINK: | https://www.thesouthafrican.com/culture/prison-journalism/understandin... |
See more stories from thesouthafrican |
Africa Stories
03/05/2024
Tonight on Skeem Saam: Toby has an encounter with Charles and it's unpleasant
Tonight on Skeem Saam: Toby has an encounter with Charles and it's unpleasan...
03/05/2024
Prison Journalism: A glimpse into South African prisons
Prison Journalism: A glimpse into South African prisonsDavid van Nek was incarcerated in Pollsmoor Prison from 2013 until 2015 and participated in the restorati...
03/05/2024
Prison Journalism: When your time in prison gets hard
Prison Journalism: When your time in prison gets hardFawaaz Adendorff was incarcerated in Pollsmoor Correctional Centre and participated in a Restorative Justic...
03/05/2024
Baby Reindeer: What's all the fuss about Netflix's hit series?
Baby Reindeer: What's all the fuss about Netflix's hit series?Netflix's new miniseries Baby Reindeer is trending on Netflix and it's the kind ...
03/05/2024
Tonight on House of Zwide: Makho, the hitman, turns out to be an old friend of Isaac's
Tonight on House of Zwide: Makho, the hitman, turns out to be an old friend of I...
03/05/2024
Tshepo Matlala discusses his class clown role in Youngins'
Tshepo Matlala discusses his class clown role in Youngins'Breakout star Tshepo Matlala portrays fan-favourite character Tshepo Masemola, who is the class c...
02/05/2024
Tonight on House of Zwide: Isaac tells Funani his beef with Bra Zakes is now personal
Tonight on House of Zwide: Isaac tells Funani his beef with Bra Zakes is now per...
02/05/2024
Skeem Saam: Thursday's episode, 2 May 2024 [video]
Skeem Saam: Thursday's episode, 2 May 2024 [video]Missed an episode of Skeem Saam? No problem! Watch the latest episode of your favourite South African soap...
02/05/2024
YouTube: Is Premium worth paying for?
YouTube: Is Premium worth paying for?YouTube is a popular free streaming service, but you can also pay for Premium. How does Premium compare, and what do you ge...
02/05/2024
Tonight on Scandal: Mdala is guilt-tripped into making it right with a woman
Tonight on Scandal: Mdala is guilt-tripped into making it right with a womanDon't miss Thursday, 2 May's riveting episode of South African soapie Scanda...
02/05/2024
Tonight on Skeem Saam: Lehasa uncovers Pretty's lie and connection to his enemy
Tonight on Skeem Saam: Lehasa uncovers Pretty's lie and connection to his en...
02/05/2024
Skeem Saam: Wednesday's episode, 1 May 2024 [video]
Skeem Saam: Wednesday's episode, 1 May 2024 [video]Missed an episode of Skeem Saam? No problem! Watch the latest episode of your favourite South African soa...
02/05/2024
Prison Journalism: It's alright not to have
Prison Journalism: It's alright not to haveWesley Leong was incarcerated at the age of 15 in 1996 at Pollsmoor Prison. He is currently part of Restore's...
02/05/2024
Tonight on Smoke and Mirrors: Thandiswa's quest to reclaim Caesar's house intensifies
Tonight on Smoke and Mirrors: Lulu navigates the complexities of her relationshi...
02/05/2024
The Women': Author shines light on forgotten women in war
The Women': Author shines light on forgotten women in warThe bestselling author of The Nightingale', Kristin Hannah, has outdone herself with her new h...
01/05/2024
THE CALL FOR THE FIFTH PRESIDENTIAL EMPLOYMENT STIMULUS PROGRAMME (PESP5) FOCUSED ON THE AUDIO-VISUAL INDUSTRY, IS OPEN.
THE CALL FOR THE FIFTH PRESIDENTIAL EMPLOYMENT STIMULUS PROGRAMME (PESP5) FOCUSE...
01/05/2024
Die Antwoord: Six best remixes from YouTube
Die Antwoord: Six best remixes from YouTubeDie Antwoord has released Reanimated along with their tour: but what about remixes of their songs? Here are six Antwo...
01/05/2024
WATCH: Tonight's Scandal teaser, 1 May 2024
WATCH: Tonight's Scandal teaser, 1 May 2024Don't miss Wednesday, 1 May's riveting episode of South African soapie Scandal! on e.tv on DStv channel 1...
01/05/2024
Tonight on House of Zwide: Isaac then manhandles Bra Zakes
Tonight on House of Zwide: Isaac then manhandles Bra ZakesDon't miss Wednesday, 1 May's riveting episode of South African soapie House of Zwide on e.tv ...
01/05/2024
Tonight on Skeem Saam: Lehasa is sorry for taking someone's life
Tonight on Skeem Saam: Lehasa is sorry for taking someone's lifeDon't miss Wednesday, 1 May's riveting episode of South African soapie Skeem Saam on...
01/05/2024
House of Zwide 3 Teasers - May 2024
House of Zwide 3 Teasers - May 2024This month is going to be intense in House of Zwide. Don't plan to miss any episode. Episode airs every weekday from 19:0...
01/05/2024
Skeem Saam Teasers - May 2024
Skeem Saam Teasers - May 2024Are you ready for another Skeem Saam rollercoaster ride this month? Skeem Saam airs on SABC1 Mondays to Fridays at 19h30. by Adam...
01/05/2024
Smoke and Mirrors Teasers - May 2024
Smoke and Mirrors Teasers - May 2024What an entertaining month we have in store. Smoke and Mirrors episodes airs on e.tv from Mondays to Fridays at 21h00. by ...
01/05/2024
Tonight on Smoke and Mirrors: Lulu navigates the complexities of her relationship with The General
Tonight on Smoke and Mirrors: Lulu navigates the complexities of her relationshi...
01/05/2024
Skeem Saam: Tuesday's episode, 30 April 2024 [video]
Skeem Saam: Tuesday's episode, 30 April 2024 [video]Missed an episode of Skeem Saam? No problem! Watch the latest episode of your favourite South African so...
01/05/2024
Scandal soapie teasers: What's happening this May 2024?
Scandal soapie teasers: What's happening this May 2024?This month is going to be intense in Scandal. Scandal! airs on e.tv Mondays to Fridays at 19h30. Don&...
30/04/2024
Tonight on Smoke and Mirrors: Caesar reluctantly agrees to Virginia's counteroffer
Tonight on Smoke and Mirrors: Caesar reluctantly agrees to Virginia's counte...
30/04/2024
Poena is Koning: the deeper meaning behind the Afrikaans comedy
Poena is Koning: the deeper meaning behind the Afrikaans comedyPoena is Koning is a 2007 coming-of-age movie, but there's a deeper backstory that explains t...
30/04/2024
Tonight on House of Zwide: Zola's meeting with Faith takes a nasty turn
Tonight on House of Zwide: Zola's meeting with Faith takes a nasty turnDon't miss Tuesday, 30 April's riveting episode of South African soapie House...
30/04/2024
Tonight on Scandal: Nhlamulo officially earns an award for lies and deceit
Tonight on Scandal: Nhlamulo officially earns an award for lies and deceitDon't miss Tuesday, 30 April's riveting episode of South African soapie Scanda...
30/04/2024
Skeem Saam: Monday's episode, 29 April 2024 [video]
Skeem Saam: Monday's episode, 29 April 2024 [video]Missed an episode of Skeem Saam? No problem! Watch the latest episode of your favourite South African soa...
30/04/2024
Tonight on Skeem Saam: Lewatle witnesses an explosive fight between Sthoko and Babeile
Tonight on Skeem Saam: Lewatle witnesses an explosive fight between Sthoko and B...
29/04/2024
WATCH: AfriForum's Ernst Roets in heavy metal music video
WATCH: AfriForum's Ernst Roets in heavy metal music videoAfriForum's Ernst Roets isn't just a politician; he's also a writer and musician. Watch...
29/04/2024
Die Antwoord: Documentary tells their side of allegations
Die Antwoord: Documentary tells their side of allegationsDie Antwoord is a controversial hip-hop band. Their documentary ZEF addresses previous abuse claims. He...
29/04/2024
Tonight on House of Zwide: Zanele tells a surprised Zola that Faith fully supports her dropping charges against him
Tonight on House of Zwide: Zanele tells a surprised Zola that Faith fully suppor...
29/04/2024
Tonight on Scandal: Nhlamulo's request has Mdala reeling
Tonight on Scandal: A line is crossed and a mother starts to lose focusDon't miss Friday, 26 April's riveting episode of South African soapie Scandal! o...
29/04/2024
Tonight on Skeem Saam: Evelyn puts measures in place to protect her son
Tonight on Skeem Saam: Evelyn puts measures in place to protect her sonDon't miss Monday, 29 April's riveting episode of South African soapie Skeem Saam...
29/04/2024
Tonight on Smoke and Mirrors: Fanyana feels embarrassed about his sexual mishap
Tonight on Smoke and Mirrors: Fanyana feels embarrassed about his sexual mishapDon't miss Monday, 29 April's riveting episode of South African soapie Sm...
26/04/2024
Skeem Saam: Friday's episode, 26 April 2024 [video]
Skeem Saam: Friday's episode, 26 April 2024 [video]Missed an episode of Skeem Saam? No problem! Watch the latest episode of your favourite South African soa...
26/04/2024
Tonight on House of Zwide: Faith learns disturbing truths about Zola from his mom
Tonight on House of Zwide: Faith learns disturbing truths about Zola from his mo...
26/04/2024
Skeem Saam' May Spoiler: Has Lehasa killed Khwezi?
Skeem Saam' May Spoiler: Has Lehasa killed Khwezi?The Skeem Saam' May teasers mention Lehasa being apologetic about killing someone. Is it his baby mam...
26/04/2024
Skeem Saam: Thursday's episode, 25 April 2024 [video]
Skeem Saam: Thursday's episode, 25 April 2024 [video]Missed an episode of Skeem Saam? No problem! Watch the latest episode of your favourite South African s...
26/04/2024
Prison Journalism: Some issues to consider
Prison Journalism: Some issues to considerWesley Leong was incarcerated at the age of 15 in 1996 at Pollsmoor Prison. He is currently part of Restore's rese...
26/04/2024
Tonight on Scandal: A line is crossed and a mother starts to lose focus
Tonight on Scandal: A line is crossed and a mother starts to lose focusDon't miss Friday, 26 April's riveting episode of South African soapie Scandal! o...
25/04/2024
House of Zwide' May Spoiler: Kopano calls Shoki
House of Zwide' May Spoiler: Kopano calls Shoki The House of Zwide' May teasers reveal that Kopano will contact Shoki after she and Nkosi share a video...
25/04/2024
Tonight on Scandal: Dintle makes a hair-raising decision
Tonight on Scandal: Dintle makes a hair-raising decisionDon't miss Thursday, 25 April's riveting episode of South African soapie Scandal! on e.tv on DSt...
25/04/2024
Tonight on Smoke and Mirrors: Caesar comes looking for Thandiswa at Nomeva's and promises to be there for Leroy
Tonight on Smoke and Mirrors: Caesar comes looking for Thandiswa at Nomeva's...
25/04/2024
Tonight on House of Zwide: A furious Bra Zakes unleashes his anger on Sphamandla
Tonight on House of Zwide: A furious Bra Zakes unleashes his anger on SphamandlaDon't miss Thursday, 25 April's riveting episode of South African soapie...
25/04/2024
Prison Journalism: Understanding recidivism in South African prisons
Prison Journalism: Understanding recidivism in South African prisonsDean Mashimbwe, a Zimbabwean migrant residing in Cape Town, was incarcerated at Pollsmoor Co...