Written by: Mohammed Omran
When most people think about the prisonIron bars, locked doors, and loss of freedom come to mind, but inside a correctional facility in Johannesburg, South Africa's largest city, visitors are greeted by an unexpected sight: an art exhibition featuring works created by the prison's inmates.
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The art exhibition is part of South Africa's Department of Correctional Services' efforts to reduce recidivism rates through arts and crafts rehabilitation programs within prisons.
Since 2023, the administration has opened 9 art and craft exhibitions in a number of correctional institutions, with the aim of helping inmates acquire new skills, generate income, and prepare for reintegration into society after their release.
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At the Leokop Correctional Center, artwork created by 34 inmates was displayed, reflecting stories of culture, memory, and personal transformation in a country that has one of the highest crime rates in the world. The exhibition also gives inmates the opportunity to see each other's work, which promotes creativity and communication among them.
Freddie Mongkwy, one of the inmates participating in the program, said he hopes his artwork will help others "get to know us prisoners in a different way.".
Mongkwy, 51, is serving a 12-year prison sentence after being convicted in a murder case related to what has been described as "mob justice," and has so far served nearly two years of his sentence.
He joined the arts program last October, and since then he has begun practicing drawing and making sculptures using papier-mâché.
After his release, Mongkwai dreams of setting up his own art gallery and employing former prisoners, stressing that he wants to help them start a new life away from prison.
Onathi Mahlatti, senior program officer at Just Detention International – South Africa, which has been collaborating with the Department of Correction since 2024, said the program not only encourages inmates to produce artwork, but also gives them space to reflect on their thoughts and feelings and understand their psychological needs.
She added: “Prison is a very strict environment, so we seek to give inmates the opportunity to be themselves and express themselves through art.”.
The program also aims to develop the inmates' skills, help them generate income, and prepare them for reintegration into society after the end of their sentence.
Estimates of recidivism rates in South Africa vary depending on the agency and measurement methods, but some estimates suggest that they may reach 95%.
South African prisons face significant challenges, including overcrowding, violence, gang activity, administrative problems, and a lack of funding. Correction officials assert that repeat offenses and return to prison are among the main reasons for the worsening overcrowding crisis.
