ZAHARA has promised to give prison inmates a surprise visit very soon.
She told Daily Sun this after she failed to pitch up for a Youth Day event at Heidelberg Prison in Gauteng on Thursday, disappointing inmates who excitedly waited for her for hours.
However, the inmates said they were not angry at the singer but hoped she would visit next time they had a special event at the prison.
Zahara’s absence didn’t stop them from having a day of fun. The prisoners danced, sang and gave motivational talks to each other and visitors.
One of the speakers, Themba Lukhele from Katlegong in Ekurhuleni, was released from prison a few months ago.
He said he was proud to stand in front of the inmates as he had become a born-again Christian.
Themba said although he had previously been regarded as a dangerous criminal, he had changed his ways.
“Today I’m a businessman and I do what’s right. Once you realise your purpose and know what you want, you won’t come back to this place,” he said.
Inmate Tebogo Matsuke (30) said he had been in prison for eight years for illegal possession of a firearm and planned to make a positive change in his community once he was released.
“The youth of 1976 took action that benefited us all. Let’s take advantage of that,” he said.
Zanele Khatle, co-ordinator for operational support, told the SunTeam the event was a source of inspiration for the prisoners.
“These kinds of events help us to give them a positive mindset,” she said
Zahara said she had explained to the organisers that she would visit when her schedule was not so hectic.
“I’m happy they like my work and I will make it up to them.”
