Trust celebrates International Women’s Day with female prison inmates

LESEGO Memorial Trust, a local non-governmental organisation that cares for the needs of
vulnerable children last week celebrated International Women’s Day with female prison inmates.
The NGO was partnered by Azania Boutique and Gwanda Driving School.
The inmates from Gwanda Prisons and Correctional Services received donations of sanitary
wear.

Founding Director of Lesego Memorial Trust, Gugulethu Mnkandhla, said while the organisation
was biased towards children, it was essential for mothers to be supported.
“As Lesego Memorial Trust, we believe in promoting a safe and nurturing environment for
children but it is essential for mothers to be supported to reduce chances of their children
suffering from withdrawal symptoms, depression, anxiety or any other mental health issues.
“Rehabilitating mothers or providing them with support helps restore the mother-to-child bonds,
which also mitigates intergenerational patterns,” said Mnkandhla.
Tsepanang Ndlovu, Lesego Memorial Trust’s Projects Officer, gave a presentation on menstrual
health with the inmates, raising awareness on menstrual hygiene issues, the safe disposal of used
sanitary pads to enable better cleanliness practices.
Prison officer Superintendent Ishmael Madzimbamuto commended the good gesture by Lesego
Memorial Trust.
I am really touched by the relations that the society continues to show the inmates and Lesego
Memorial Trust, is one of them.
Inmates come from the society and they will go back to the society, therefore, the support is
greatly appreciated, “said Superintendent Madzimbamuto.
Provincial Chaplain Chief Correctional Officer, Mthokozisi Sibanda, also showed gratitude as he
said inmates needed to be supported.
As correctional services, we help the inmates in correcting the mistakes they committed, so that
they can be better individuals, who can integrate in society when they leave here.
Inmates need to be well taken care of through being shown love and support so that
rehabilitation becomes successful," Rev. Sibanda said.
He called for members of the community to continue supporting the inmates.
An inmate, Thembinkosi Moyo, thanked Lesego Memorial Trust for their generosity.
I would love to give thanks to Lesego Memorial Trust for showing us love. As women we are
very grateful for your love and support.
“We feel loved and feel very important, may the almighty bless them,” she said.