Marimbas provided the soundtrack to Women’s Day celebrations held at the Grahamstown Correctional Centre on Wednesday. The event, which aimed to promote self-esteem and motivation, was held for the women staff members at the facility for male offenders.
Marimbas provided the soundtrack to Women’s Day celebrations held at the Grahamstown Correctional Centre on Wednesday. The event, which aimed to promote self-esteem and motivation, was held for the women staff members at the facility for male offenders.
“Our plan is to entertain the women of the Grahamstown Correctional Centre,” said the programme director Vuyokazi Lamleli.
Forty employees gathered to participate in activities which included a fun walk and brainteaser games and ended with a netball match and a braai.
According to Lamleli, the day provided an opportunity for women to share experiences. Representatives of Curves Gym presented three free visits to the gym for each of the women.
“We aim to empower women through staying healthy and fit,” said Justine Geldenhuis, a Curves employee who was present.
Despite the focus being on the women at the centre, some of the offenders provided enthusiastic melodies from the marimbas.
“I play for the love of music,” said offender Sixolisiwe Makalima who learnt to play the instrument in only one week.
Music education is one of the initiatives at the Correctional Centre and the marimba players practice daily. “It creates an atmosphere of celebration,” said logistics secretary Thandiswa Mzweli.
The initiative for celebrating Women’s Day at the centre was the directive of the Correctional Centre’s management.
In line with national trends, Grahamstown did not pass up on the opportunity to show its respect to hard-working women.
“We’re enjoying ourselves,” said correctional officer Vuyiwe Nyendwana while her colleague, Thandi Ngwala-Ngwala sang and danced alongside her.
