BY PHUMELELE GAMEDZE
MATSAPHA– A personal E5 000 donation of dignity packs by Deputy Prime Minister Thulisile Dladla has ignited a broader conversation about society’s responsibility to remember, forgive and support people serving prison sentences, with correctional officials urging emaSwati not to abandon inmates simply because they are behind bars.
During the handover of dignity packs at Matsapha and Mawelawela Correctional Services, the Deputy Prime Minister appealed for greater compassion towards inmates, saying imprisonment should not mean the loss of human dignity. She encouraged families and communities to continue visiting and supporting their loved ones, reminding the nation that forgiveness and care can play a meaningful role in rehabilitation.
The donation, which included bath soaps, bath towels, toothbrushes and toothpaste, was personally funded by the Deputy Prime Minister and delivered through the Deputy Prime Minister’s Office by Secretary Director of Social Welfare Smay Dlamini.
Officials at Matsapha Correctional Services revealed that the institution is currently home to 1 231 inmates, highlighting the enormous demand for basic necessities within correctional facilities. They noted that while the Deputy Prime Minister’s donation will make a significant difference, the need remains far greater than what government alone can meet.
Correctional authorities also expressed concern that many inmates are rarely visited or supported by relatives, while others lack basic documentation, making their circumstances even more challenging. They said these realities underscore the importance of sustained community involvement in supporting rehabilitation efforts.
Assistant Commissioner and Officer in Charge Jabulani Kunene thanked the Deputy Prime Minister for what he described as a heartfelt act of kindness, saying the dignity packs will restore confidence and improve hygiene for many inmates.
“This donation reminds inmates that someone still cares,” he said, adding that gestures of compassion can inspire hope among people who often feel forgotten.
The Deputy Prime Minister’s own commitment to inmates is rooted in personal conviction. She has shared that she was raised watching her mother pray for people in prison and was later deeply moved by the testimony of a former inmate who described the hardships faced by prisoners, particularly those with no family support. Those experiences inspired her decision to personally assist inmates through dignity pack donations.
The donation has also served as an invitation to the public. The Deputy Prime Minister encouraged individuals, businesses, churches and organisations with the means to help to donate essential items either through the Deputy Prime Minister’s Office or directly to correctional facilities.
For correctional officials, the message is simple but powerful: while people may be serving sentences for their mistakes, they remain human beings deserving of dignity, compassion and the opportunity to rebuild their lives.
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