Mhlaba Memela

Mhlaba Memela

Durban-Westville female prisoners also joined in Women's Day celebrations - even if a whole week late.

Thanks to Deborah Fraser, Ukhozi FM DJ Linda Sibiya, Thokazani MaMkhize Ndlovu and L'Vovo Derango entertained them on Wednesday.

The celebs, who normally charge appearance fees, performed free of charge for the women prisoners.

During the event, DJ and singer MaMkhize Ndlovu encouraged the women convicts to keep up their spirits. "Hold your head up high, even if you are in prison," Ndlovu said.

Sibiya encouraged the inmates to stay focused because society was waiting for them. He said they should "divorce themselves from evil" and instead "discover themselves".

"To be inside does not mean we do not love you. We understand that it's difficult to be inside," he said

"But correctional service is bringing back humanity to those who have made mistakes."

IFP chairman Zanele Magwaza- Msibi, who was also at the event, urged women prisoners to make the best of the training skills being offered to inmates.

Magwaza-Msibi donated two netball kits and three sewing machines to female inmates. She urged women warders to support the inmates. "As women we need to support one another," she said.

"Women warders should develop women inmates to make sure when they come out of here they are equipped to face the society's challenges."

Magwaza-Msibi told the women to explore all opportunities available in prison to uplift themselves.

She said they should study to gain more skills to be able to maintain their children.

"Children suffer if they do not see their mothers."