Prison Journalism: The destruction of corruption

Prison Journalism: The destruction of corruptionWesley Leong was incarcerated at the age of 15 in 1996 at Pollsmoor Prison. He is currently part of Restore's research and reintegration project.

by Wesley Leong

28-12-2023 13:21

in Prison Journalism

Prison

Image by Pexels

Oh no, this is something we have all heard way too much about over the past years. It is essentially the backbone of normal financial and organizational operations, which is widely accepted and almost considered a norm in our society.

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Roots that are Rotten They believe that you reap what you sow. I finally believe that a solid foundation is fundamental to building a robust structure, just as a good offense is always a strong defence. If people were to adopt this perspective when it comes to the changes, we, as ex-offenders, are striving to implement, we would eventually reach a point where a decision must be made about the foundations. If the reasons are not clear, and we have to insist, it will require a complete overhaul. Yes! Personally, as an ex-offender, I know we will first have to confront the deep-seated corruption before dealing with those in positions of power, whether they are supportive or not.

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Re-structure of a New System Certainly, we can all brainstorm many possible ways to assist ex-offenders. However, despite reports and system acts, etc., moving toward implementing change, ex-offenders still face challenges, and I will delve into that topic later in this article. So, let's consider how we can establish a restructured system to change the outcomes and reduce the recurrence of errors. Where do we find the funding for all of this? Support and assistance may no longer be readily available, as we are now entering a battle with vested interests that are unlikely to align with our objectives. Stay with me now; I am a positive person and always strive for the best going forward. On the other hand, I do not see the existing world supporting the establishment of a new system because it may not align with the prevailing societal needs.

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If you seek peace, you must prepare for war! It is an old Latin saying, although it may appear unusual until you interpret the quote. Luck has always played a role in this, for as long as we can sadly remember. These things do not change, nor do they show any signs of doing so. Change will never occur unless we ourselves embrace it. I know this is a profound calling, sadly, it is the reality.

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And See Another Day Live for today, remember yesterday, and plan for tomorrow. Or at least, try to do so. What worth would it be if, in the end, you have nobody to share it with? What good would it do if the people in your life don't truly care about you? Your good deeds will be in vain if all your efforts were solely for personal gain. Always have everything you need, but for what? I guess you can never truly be happy until you start to love yourself!

As the Bible says, in Corinthians, that both good and bad ways, when taken to their extremes, will eventually lead to destruction.

Would you rather be a person who took action or a person who never cared at all?

DISCLAIMER: Submission published as received

RESTORE is an NGO based in Cape Town, South Africa, providing inmates at Pollsmoor Prison with restorative justice opportunities.

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