Prison Journalism: The Transformation: A Prison Tale of Identity and BrotherhoodDavid van Nek was incarcerated in Pollsmoor Correctional Centre from 2013 until 2015 and participated in the restorative justice programme.
by David van Nek
14-07-2023 14:20
in Prison Journalism
A Prison Tale of Identity and Brotherhood Image by unsplash
In prison, staying occupied and showcasing talents is vital for survival. Soccer and rugby revealed hidden talents among us, setting the stage for significant events that shaped my time behind bars. Assigned as an office block cleaner by the Case Management Committees (CMC) staff, I joined two fellow inmates in the same room. Our duty involved cleaning officers' offices, unaware that it would unveil an unforeseen path before me.
--
ALSO READ: Prison Journalism: How Have You Changed as a Person
Prison: A World of Theft and Suspicion Among the staff at the CMC, there was a particular lady who took a liking to me from the very first day. She would be the one to provide us with the rules and regulations of the office block. During lunchtime, a time when money spoke volumes, calls would come in from those with financial means. The first question posed was whether we were ouens' or Franse.' It was at this point that I decided to engage with individuals from the 28's, aspiring to be one of their members. As I carried out my duties within the office block, I couldn't help but notice the careless nature of one of the captains. It was then that a thought crossed my mind-to take advantage of this opportunity.
I began by stealing a phone charger, which I sold for R200. Emboldened by my success, I took the risk of stealing a small phone as well, this time fetching R300. Trust was scarce within those walls, leaving me wary even of my fellow cleaners. It was during this time that thoughts of the lady from the CMC weighed on my mind. With newfound money, I had to exercise caution. Seeking advice from another inmate, I decided to wrap the money in plastic and conceal it in the most unlikely place-my backside. This was my own secret treasure, bringing a sense of joy and contentment. However, doubts still lingered about the trustworthiness of the lady at the CMC.
--
ALSO READ: Prison journalism: While my friends graduated high school, I sat behind bars
From Newcomer to Sundown One of the inmates in our room had the fortune of receiving regular visits from his family. Seizing an opportunity, I struck up a conversation with him. Within that same week, I made a call to his brother, informing him that his younger sibling would arrive for a visit carrying R510 in cash. Thankfully, he agreed to the arrangement. After the visit, he returned with a receipt, a proof of my newfound wealth. With this in hand, I took my first steps towards the 28's. The following week, a soccer tournament became the stage for an important turning point. All the 28's were set to join the camp, and each member would share their story and responsibilities with the newcomers. The highest-ranking member of the 28's would then impart the rules of conduct and behavior.
It was a transformative moment-I was no longer a Frans'; I had become an esteemed member of the 28's. The bond that followed was one of brotherhood, and the news of my affiliation would reach the 26's and 27's through an official report. As a lasting symbol, I bear the mark of the 28's with a tattoo on my left foot. This significant shift occurred on a Friday, and when I returned to work the following Monday, one of the captains summoned me. In a gesture that spoke volumes, he displayed the sign of the 28's, declaring, Now you are a Sundown. With pride and conviction, I responded, Sundown, Captain.
--
ALSO READ: Prison journalism: Not treated like a woman in a women's prison
This tale of my journey within the prison system exemplifies the transformative power of circumstances and personal choices. From humble beginnings as an office block cleaner, I navigated a world of opportunities and risks. The favor of the CMC staff and the unexpected financial gains propelled me towards a desire for higher status and recognition among the 28's. Yet, the road to acceptance required cunning, trust, and calculated decisions. Finally embracing the role of a Sundown, I found solace in the brotherhood and the shared purpose that defined this newfound identity. These experiences, marked by stolen treasures, moments of doubt, and ultimately the affirmation of belonging, shaped my prison journey in ways I could never have anticipated.
DISCLAIMER: Submission published as received
RESTORE is a NGO based in Cape Town, South Africa providing inmates at Pollsmoor Prison with restorative justice opportunities.
Do you have any question you would like to ask our prison journalists, WhatsApp us on 060 011 0211
Do you have contact with a prison inmate who would like to write for The South African website?
If so, send an email to info@thesouthafrican.com or a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1
You can also follow @TheSAnews on Twitter and The South African on Facebook to get the latest prisoner journalism articles.
SOAPIE QUIZ: How well do you know Gqeberha: The Empire'? ENTER & WIN R1 000 in cash!
Most recent headlines
17/02/2025
TVBEurope talks to the team who brought a piece of broadcasting history back to life on BBC Wales last night
By Jenny Priestley
Published: February 14, 2025 ...
17/02/2025
Eligible studios will receive the relief directly from their local authorities, with no need to submit a claim
By Matthew Corrigan
Published: February 17, 20...
17/02/2025
As DEI initiatives come under pressure in the USA, supporters of Rise, which promotes diversity in the media and entertainment sector, discuss the continuing im...
17/02/2025
EIB Global loan will partially fund SES's continued O3b mPOWER medium earth orbit (MEO) fleet expansion enabling additional capacity worldwide. O3b mPOWER s...
15/02/2025
At Nielsen, Business Resource Groups (BRGs) play a critical role in nurturing a ...
15/02/2025
Innovation to empower creativity: Explore the latest in Lightroom
Rob Christensen February 15, 2025
0 Comments
Whether you want to remove distracting ...
15/02/2025
Wisycom, a worldwide leader in RF technology and provider of wireless solutions, announces a new distribution agreement with EQUAPHON. An Argentinian profession...
15/02/2025
DPA Microphones, the leading manufacturer of high-quality microphone solutions, is pleased to welcome Nicholas Nick Mariano and Vincent Vince Divine to the ...
15/02/2025
Tuxera, a leading provider of quality-assured file systems and networking solutions, will showcase how Tuxera Fusion SMB enables unprecedented performance for m...
15/02/2025
Bitmovin's latest Video Developer Report indicates an increasing role of AI, the slow adoption of next-generation codecs, and continuing challenges when it ...
15/02/2025
When Michelin Enterprises set out to promote its prestigious Hotel Guide in the new Sleepless in the Kitchen , campaign, veteran German/Slovenian gaffer Robert...
15/02/2025
Formula E, the world's first all-electric racing series, revolutionizing motorsport with cutting-edge technology and a commitment to sustainability has sele...
15/02/2025
Agile Content, a global leader in TV and video technology solutions, announces its rebranding to AgileTV.
The transition to AgileTV stems from a commitment to ...
15/02/2025
Hiltron Communications will promote the latest additions to its range of satellite communication products, systems and supporting services at GovSatCom 2025. Th...
15/02/2025
Following the success of the original Airglow Booklight, DoPchoice debuts a new addition to their inflatable line the Float. This lightweight, inflatable, round...
15/02/2025
LAS VEGAS Marshall Electronics has announced that it will debut its newest camera controller, the RCP Plus, at the 2025 NAB Show at Booth N2649 between April 5 ...
15/02/2025
ATLANTA Gray Media has named Blake Sebo as the next general manager of KTUU and KYES, Gray's NBC and CBS affiliates in Anchorage, Alaska....
15/02/2025
KOKKEDAL, Denmark DPA Microphones will feature its new CORE+ technology for distortion-free microphone sound at the 2025 NAB Show, April 5-9, in Las Vegas....
15/02/2025
SWANSEA, U.K. QuickLink will launch StudioPro-NDI and StudioPro-3, two new models of its QuickLine StudioPro video production platform, at the 2025 NAB Show, Ap...
15/02/2025
Live From 2025 NBA All-Star Game Weekend: After 25 Years, Turner Sports All-In F...
15/02/2025
NASCAR Driver Cam on Max Embraces Cloud-Based Workflow for 2025 Season Chris Brown of WBD Sports says Mobii will play key part in delivering signals from the tr...
14/02/2025
Last month, we officially launched the Spotify Partner Program, a powerful new m...
14/02/2025
From an island off the coast of Lutruwita to the global stage in France SBS & ...
14/02/2025
The future of electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) land systems is evolving so that ...
14/02/2025
Here are 5 reasons why you should attend ISE 2025
Discover more about Calrec: Learn more about Calrec's legacy of innovation in broadcast audio solutions ...
14/02/2025
World Radio Day: On the same wavelength
By Graham Murray, International Sales Manager at Calrec
To mark World Radio Day, Calrec's International Sales Ma...
14/02/2025
DALLAS and TYSONS, Va. Tegna has concluded a broadcast rights agreement that makes Tegna's KFAA in Dallas the exclusive local television partner of the Dall...
14/02/2025
Amazon's Prime Video has released a new app for Apple TV that the streamer said delivers an improved streaming experiences with faster scrolling, improved s...
14/02/2025
CLEVELAND Telos Alliance announced a software update for its Axia Quasar XR and SR line of audio-over-IP (AoIP) mixing consoles and will show the offering at th...
14/02/2025
Puget Systems Returns to HPA Tech Retreat 2025 with New Analysis Tools for Puge...
14/02/2025
Glass Animals: Tour of Earth Uses Blackmagic Live Production Workflow
Brie Clayton February 14, 2025
0 Comments
80six deploys Blackmagic URSA Broadcas...
14/02/2025
A dispute between Paramount and Youtube TV that would have pulled CBS stations and Paramount's cable channels from the streaming service has been temporaril...
14/02/2025
Colourist Deidre (Dee) McClelland details how she helped shape the distinct look and feel of whimsical Oscar-nominated stop-motion film, Memoir of a Snail
By C...
14/02/2025
BitFire said it intends to introduce forward-looking services that simplify the launch of live production workflows, and enhance real-time collaboration
By Jen...
14/02/2025
The claim by the liquidators is the latest twist in the ongoing saga of the companys collapse at the end of 2021
By Matthew Corrigan
Published: February 14, ...
14/02/2025
A carriage dispute between YouTube TV and Paramount could come to a head today (Feb. 13), with the virtual pay TV provider threatening to pull all of the progra...
14/02/2025
ENGLEWOOD CLIFFS, N.J. LG Electronics USA has opened a new in-house, state-of-the-art virtual production studio at its 360,000-square-foot North American headqu...
14/02/2025
NEW YORK In a bid to help local broadcasters find new ways of monetizing their content, the Coalition for Innovative Media Measurement (CIMM) and TVB have relea...
14/02/2025
WASHINGTON Three Democratic U.S. Senators have sent a stern letter blasting FCC Chair Brendan Carr for the weaponization of the agency for attacking broadcast...
14/02/2025
Years after launching the streaming service Apple TV+ in November of 2019, Apple has finally released a version of its steaming app for Android devices....
14/02/2025
FOOTHILL RANCH, Calif. Red Digital Cinema will make its V-RAPTOR [X] and KOMODO-X camera systems available with Nikon's premier Z Mount, providing filmmaker...
14/02/2025
DAYTONA, Fla. The Fox Sports production of this year's Daytona 500 will see the addition of a few new tech elements and the continued unfolding of the broad...
14/02/2025
Watch Bryson Battles Blind Audition on The Voice Get a Four-Chair Turn Michael Bubl said the Boston Conservatory at Berklee musical theater senior might have...
14/02/2025
2025 Daytona 500: FOX Sports Looks To Ride Super Bowl LIX Momentum Into NASCAR S...
14/02/2025
14 Feb 2025
VEON's Kyivstar and the Come Back Alive Foundation Raise USD 2....
14/02/2025
Max Renews THE PITT, Starring Noah Wyle, For A Second Season
Max
Warner Bros. Television Group
The Pitt
New Episodes Of The Medical Drama From John...
14/02/2025
This year, Technicolor proudly celebrates 110 years of shaping the magic of cinema pioneering color, visual effects, and innovation that bring unforgettable l...
14/02/2025
NBA All-Star: More Games, More Teams, More Music, More Sound From the Court Turner Sports' team will deploy familiar tech to capture all the audio By Dan D...
14/02/2025
LIV Golf Continues To Innovate With Drones, Data-Driven Graphics, and All-Access...
Prison Journalism: The Transformation: A Prison Tale of Identity and BrotherhoodDavid van Nek was incarcerated in Pollsmoor Correctional Centre from 2013 until 2015 and participated in the restorative justice programme.
