Ligwalagwala FM motivates inmates of Middelburg Prison
On Saturday, 24 August 2013, Ligwalagwala FM took live radio into the premises of Middelburg Prison. The visit was in line with the NtjintjaGuluva (change gangster) campaign aimed at discouraging criminal elements and activities amongst youths and also to provide a platform for offenders to have a dialogue with their victims.
More than 100 inmates assembled together on an open field to welcome the station. Entertainment was the order of the day: they were showered with Ligwalagwala FM T-shirts and given motivational talks.
The prison visit had a live broadcast of LwesukaLutfuli from 10am to 12pm presented by Malume Stan and Sisonke Midday Grooves from 12pm to 2.30pm presented by Khaya Angel. The inmates were astounded by the performance of Zakhele Thobela, aka King Sisonke, who is an ex-convict and has also served his term at Middelburg Prison. King Sisonke had these encouraging words to share: "It is not easy to live your life with a criminal record, it takes a while for the community to realise that you are a changed person. You need to accept yourself before the community can accept you."
Leave and never look back
A female offender who was sentenced for the murder of her husband also had some encouraging words for females in abusive relationships. "I was convicted for the murder of my husband, which happened because of the anger that had built up inside of me because he was very abusive. I now urge all women in abusive relationships to leave and never look back because I do not want them to end up like me."
The visit was graced by the presence of regional commissioner of correctional services Tsetsane and area commissioner Mandla Gerald Sibanyoni. The station will continue with its ijobijob activation this week on Friday, 30 August at Makro, Nelspruit where DJ Shabbisto will work as a store greeter from 11am to 2pm. In order to ensure the sustainability of this campaign, a young person will be employed to perform the same duties that Shabbisto will be performing at all five industries. There will be lots of giveaways on the day, Khibika Natsi with Sweet Mike (12pm to 2.30pm) and Asambe Drive Show (3pm to 6pm) with Shabbisto broadcasting live from the venue.
