Niël Terblanché
To spread the spirit of the festive season and as a gesture of community support, the Swakopmund Municipality donated 120 hygiene packs to inmates at the Swakopmund Correctional Facility on Thursday.
The donation valued at N$6 020 was officially handed over by Deputy Mayor Suama Kautondokwa and received by Senior Superintendent Felicity Mwiya, Officer in Charge at the facility on behalf of the inmates.
This initiative, facilitated by Pennina Haimbodi of the UHili Necessity Wellness Trust, demonstrates the business community and the municipality’s commitment to enhancing wellness and extending compassion to all members of society, including those who are incarcerated.
During the handover ceremony, Kautondokwa stressed the town council’s belief in rehabilitation and hope for a brighter future for all Namibians.
“We have them in our thoughts and prayers, although while inside the correctional facility, they might think that no one does<’ she said.
Kautondokwa expressed the hope that the donation would serve as a reminder to the inmates that their lives can still take a positive turn.
“The correctional facility is not their last place of residence. There are still very beautiful opportunities out there, and we would like to remind everyone that no matter what your current situation is, we can all always look forward to a better life,” she added.
According to Kautondokwa, the donation reflects the Swakopmund town council’s broader commitment to inclusivity, compassion, and community upliftment, reinforcing the idea that a supportive community can contribute to rehabilitation and social reintegration.
Receiving the hygiene packs on behalf of the inmates, Reginald Garoeb, who is also serving a sentence in the Swakopmund Correctional Facility, expressed the gratitude of all inmates for the municipality’s generous gesture.
“We really appreciate this. This reminds us all that there are indeed people on the outside who think and care about us,” he said.
Garoeb added that the goods would benefit all inmates and expressed optimism that the donation would inspire them to strive for a better future.
Senior Superintendent Mwiya thanked the municipality and Haimbodi for their advocacy and support.
“Acts of kindness like this go a long way in motivating those within our care to reflect on their lives and make better choices for the future,” she said.
