As head and leading lady of the Hawequa Correctional Centre (HCC) in Wellington, Erlene Govender embodies a sweet harmony of the sexes in a male environment of offenders.
There is a quote by Susan Sontag that reads, “What is the most beautiful in virile men is something feminine; what is most beautiful in feminine women is something masculine.”
This rings true for Govender. She does not isolate masculine from feminine, and vice versa, but rather channels both into her work, poise and passion.
“I work mostly with men, which I actually enjoy. Gender is not an issue, as we are all working towards one common goal, which is to achieve our mission in the department. At HCC men are very respectful and helpful.
“I think the difference is not in the gender, but in one’s attitude towards what one loves best.”
Rehabilitation of offenders is her main focus area.
“As the head, I focus on skills development, education, rendering programmes to offenders like sports and recreation. I’m there to assist them on their path of rehabilitation.”
Govender’s a firm believer in teaching people to fish so they can be fed for a lifetime.
Hawequa has become self-sustaining with its own food supply, thanks to its very own lush veggie garden producing giant crops feeding the prison’s inmates, and rippling sustenance in the wider community.
Having this much influence is not something that fell into Govender’s lap.
“I grew up in Mitchells Plain (on the Cape Flats) and attended Woodville Primary and Mondale High. I was able to attend Mondale High thanks to a scholarship in classical music.
“Growing up on the Flats was tough, but luckily for me I had a mother who was very strict. At school I got involved in classical music, hockey, reading and had a part-time job at a bakery. These activities kept me out of trouble.
“A child needs balance in the household where there is a father and a mother. Single mothers, like mine, however, play the role of father and mother, and have to be stronger than most women.
“After I matriculated my mother sacrificed financially and sent me to do a secretarial diploma course. I applied for various jobs, and on 11 June 1994 I was appointed typist at the Regional Commissioner’s Office of the Western Cape Department of Correctional Services.”
She was discriminated against, but it did not hold her back.
“As the first coloured female working at the Regional Office, I had to persevere. My motto is walk tall and work hard. My saving grace was working twice as hard to prove my worth and remain positive.
“Ironically, there came a time when a white man, Mr JE le Grange, saw my potential when I started working at Pollsmoor from 1997 to 2005. As Regional Head of Corrections he practically forced me to study. He also appointed me as a supervisor, even though I was an admin clerk. In fact, he pushed me to the limit.”
This led her to complete multiple diplomas and aim ever higher for any position that would allow her to climb the ladder of Correctional Services, also thanks to another mentor, Mr Eric Mfenqe.
One thing she holds most dear in her duties are the Batho Pele Principles, which means “People First”. She believes these paved the way for her becoming head of such an institution.
As a woman, though, she had to manoeuvre her way through a maze of masculinity.
“To be respected it is my duty, firstly, to respect others, and then others will respect me. I believe in proper communication, firm but kind, and helpfulness, which has led to me to be well regarded at HCC.”
Her femininity also enables her to work constructively with young offenders. “They turn to me for help. As such, I am also a mother and I use my maternal instincts. It is my responsibility to ensure their rights are not violated and they are treated with dignity.”
At home, she treasures her roles as a wife to her husband Ravie (51) and mother to a 5-year-old son, Theeran.
“Ravie is a former police officer and has been my rock, committed to my career and needs. He reflects his pride through me. He polishes my shoes and won’t allow me to push our trolley at the shops when I’m in uniform.
“I’ve come this far, thanks to the support structure and officials I have come to rely on.”
