Byline: Nonjabuliso Nhlambo
28 August 2026
Bethal Correctional Centre hosted a Women’s Day celebration for female offenders on 19 August 2026.
The event aimed to create a platform of recognising strength, resilience and potential of women in the correctional facilities.
The celebration encouraged women to reflect on their journeys, acknowledge their progress and embrace the opportunities presented through rehabilitation, personal development and positive transformation.
Various stakeholders, including the South African
Police Service (SAPS), Department of Justice (DoJ), Department of Culture, Sport and Recreation (DCSR), Department of Social Development (DSD), Mpumalanga Rehabilitation Centre (MRC) and Philasande Non-Governmental Organisation came to drum up support to DCS initiative.
Sergeant Cynthia Mtsweni of Mzinoni Police Station reminded women that their circumstances do not make them to be forgotten members of society. She encouraged them to remain hopeful and reminded them that there are people who still care about them and look forward to welcoming them back into their communities.
“You are not forgotten. You are loved, and there are people waiting and hoping to see you returning home. Use this time to work on yourselves and prepare for a better future,” Cynthia Mtsweni encouraged.
The keynote address was delivered by Ms Thembi Msibi, a Court Intermediary at Evander Court. In her remarks, she spoke about the unique power of women. She emphasised that woman’s greatest strength is not necessarily physical strength, but the strength that comes from God, which are faith and inner resilience. She encouraged women to recognise their worth and draw strength from their spiritual foundation as they navigate the challenges of life.
Ms Msibi further encouraged the women to prepare themselves for the day of their release. She emphasized that rehabilitation should be viewed as an opportunity to acquire the mindset, skills and strength needed to make positive choices when returning to society. She urged them to use their time productively to ensure that they are well prepared for the responsibilities and opportunities that await them outside correctional facility.
“Never allow your past to become a prison for your future. Please use this time to rebuild yourselves, strengthen your relationship with God and prepare for the day when you will walk out of here ready to become the women you were created to be,” urged Thembi Msibi.
During the celebration, female offenders had an opportunity to express themselves by showcasing their talents through musical, dance and poetic performances.
According to the acting Unit Manager for females, Ms. Patricia Lourie, the event has inspired the female offenders to be more positive. She expresses gratitude to all stakeholders for encouraging offenders to use their rehabilitation journey as a stepping stone towards rebuilding their lives for making positive contribution to society upon release.
