Rejoice wins inmates’ hearts

INMATES at the Windhoek Correctional Facility fought back tears yesterday when double amputee Rejoice Kandukira (6) visited the facility to collect a portrait and a donation of N$2 000.

The young girl lost both her legs in a hit-and-run accident in Katutura’s Kamberipa Street earlier this year. The portrait, which depicts the small girl, was made by one of the inmates, Joao Domingo.

Accompanied by her mother Dominica Kandukira and the media, Rejoice met the inmates from the minimum unit, who also gave her a plant and two picture frames.

The event was organised by the counselling, rehabilitation and reintegration department of the correctional facility.

Although Rejoice was in a wheelchair, she did not appear to rely on it since she comfortably got out of the chair and dragged herself to the other side of the room to get a balloon after the official handover ceremony.

When they saw her getting out of the wheelchair without any problem, some of the inmates were moved to tears, while others forced themselves to smile.

Tuhafeni Hamwama, who spoke on behalf of the other 80 inmates in the unit, said Rejoice is their little hero because of the hardship she went through, and they believe that she will one day become a prominent member of society.

“When we read Rejoice’s story in the media, it touched us so much, and it was the talk of the week in our unit. We then asked ourselves what we can do for her.

We see her as a mango tree that grows in harsh conditions, and its fruits are hard on the outside but beautiful inside,” Hamwama noted, adding that although some people might regard convicts as heartless, they also have sympathy for people like Rejoice.

Another inmate, Kaine McNab, said the encounter with Rejoice was priceless, while Lungile Mawisa recited a poem for Rejoice and said she makes the world shine with her smile.

“Your courage, friendliness and lovely personality just shine through every heart you have touched.” Mawisa’s poem read in part.

The officer in charge, deputy commissioner Victor Eigab, said activities like this one help in the reintegration of inmates.

“We are happy that inmates are involved in different activities. We have moved from the locked and forgotten system. This unit is about to be released. They successfully went through all the programmes we give at the facility,” Eigab noted.

Rejoice’s mother said her daughter is a strong girl, a survivor and her hero for touching so many hearts, especially the hearts of those considered to be heartless.

“For her to touch your hearts, people we consider heartless, really humbles me,” Kandukira said, before she burst into tears.

She said Rejoice has always maintained a positive attitude, especially now that she is back at school, where she has blended in well with the other children.

“I cannot wait to get Rejoice her new ‘legs’,” she said.