Westville Prison support group turns pain into progress

AS part of the 16 Days of Activism campaign, Westville Prison recently celebrated the first anniversary of the Khuluma Ndoda Support Group. The group, which was launched on October 24, 2023, aims to provide a safe space for male inmates to discuss their challenges and emotions, with the ultimate goal of reducing cases of gender-based violence.

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According to Westville Prison Social Work supervisor, Ntombikayise Nyali, the support group was inspired by research that revealed that men’s reluctance to express their emotions contributed significantly to gender-based violence, substance abuse and gangsterism.

“To address this, the Social Work section, in collaboration with offender Sibusiso Mkhize, established the Khuluma Ndoda Support Group. This initiative aimed to create a safe space for men to openly discuss their challenges,” said Nyali.

The group, which started with 11 offenders, has since expanded to encompass the entire Medium C Correctional Centre. Nyali noted that the programme has witnessed transformative changes in the lives of offenders, including:

-Reduced gang involvement: Several offenders who attended the Khuluma Ndoda Support Group have renounced gang activities.
-Overcome substance abuse: Many offenders who attended the Khuluma Ndoda Support Group have overcome drug addiction.
-Family reunification: Offenders previously disconnected from their families have reconciled and restored meaningful relationships.

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These individuals gained a profound understanding of genuine manhood and fatherhood.

-They learnt that real men resolve conflicts without crime.
-They discovered that a true father protects rather than destroys.
-They learnt that real men don’t resort to gangsterism.
-They learnt that real men don’t succumb to substance abuse.
-They learnt that real men lead with integrity, accountability and compassion.

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“Though the approach of placing prisoners at the forefront of the project was initially met with scepticism and resistance, as visionaries we remained steadfast in our commitment to our mission. We persevered through the challenges, and our determination ultimately led to the success we celebrate today,” said Nyali.

The Department of Correctional Services emphasised its strong condemnation of gender-based violence, particularly against women and children.

“Recognising the vital role that women play in society, we acknowledge that without them, there would be no men, no boys and no families.”

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