After a visit to 'Sun City' Prison in Hillbrow, Johannesburg, in  August  1996, Joana  switched to studying law and joined NICRO's support group for juvenile prisoners.

                                          Holding a dream, clenching to hope

                                          Whilst walking up the spiraled slope.

                                          A soapy stench sticks to the floors

                                              Klinckering keys echo behind closed doors.

                                          Iron bars conceal the tales

                                          Of silent tears and muted wails.

                                        The scorching sun no visit may pay

                                      Solid cement and bricks block the way.

                                 Clenching to hope, standing tall

                               As in this cold and shadowless hall

                             My eyes, in shock, rest on the wall

                           "ONS DIEN MET TROTS"

                      Clenching to hope, losing a dream

                   As my ears penetrate the silent scream ...

                 A mother compelled to abandon her child

               Forced by ‘justice' to await a trial

             Having stolen a loaf of bread

          In anguish to keep her dear child fed.

              Justice has stolen four months of her life.

                  Case dismissed, circumstantially released

                      To hear: Your child is deceased!

                                 Who should be on trial ? ! ! ! !