SA Corrections Today is the national internal newsletter <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Department</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Correctional</strong> <strong>Services</strong>, Republic <strong>of</strong> South Africa Patron: Minister <strong>of</strong> <strong>Correctional</strong> <strong>Services</strong>, Deputy Minister <strong>of</strong> <strong>Correctional</strong> <strong>Services</strong> Editor in Chief: Bheki Manzini News Editor: Molatelo Mokumo Layout Editor: Nathan van den Bergh Published by the <strong>Department</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Correctional</strong> <strong>Services</strong>, Private Bag X136, Pretoria 0001. Tel: (012) 307 2296 Fax: (012) 323 4942 Repro and printing facilitated by the Government Printing Works, Pretoria. The opinions expressed in SA Corrections Today are those <strong>of</strong> the authors and do not necessarily represent those <strong>of</strong> the editor or the <strong>Department</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Correctional</strong> <strong>Services</strong>. The editor reserves the right to alter any contribution or not to publish it. Letters to the editor that are published in this newsletter represent the personal view <strong>of</strong> the writers and do not reflect the views <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Department</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Correctional</strong> <strong>Services</strong>. The editor reserves the right to amend or reject letters. Letters should be sent to The Editor, SA Corrections Today, Private Bag X136, Pretoria 0001 and must be clearly marked “For publication in SA Corrections Today”. It can also be e-mailed to: Molatelo.Mokumo@dcs.gov.za Copyright is reserved on all material in this publication. Permission has to be sought in writing. 2 SA Corrections Today M A N A G E M E N T N E W S M A N A G E M E N T N E W S DCS congratulate its own pr<strong>of</strong>essor Deputy Minister <strong>of</strong> <strong>Correctional</strong> <strong>Services</strong>, Ms Hlengiwe Buhle Mkhize has been appointed as an Honorary Pr<strong>of</strong>essor in the Psychology <strong>Department</strong>, at the University <strong>of</strong> South Africa (UNISA). The appointment is in recognition <strong>of</strong> her lifelong contribution in the fields <strong>of</strong> psychology, politics, human rights, community development and the diplomatic corporations. The appointment is effective from 1 June. Pr<strong>of</strong>essor Mkhize is an active member <strong>of</strong> the African National Congress where she served in various capacities. As a Commissioner in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, Pr<strong>of</strong>. Mkhize chaired the Reparations Committee. She later travelled the world sharing her experiences and lessons learnt to other countries facing similar challenges. She has served in various high level committees such Chairperson <strong>of</strong> Transparency International S.A.; the Goldstone Commission Committee; and as Vice President <strong>of</strong> the Member States at the International Criminal Court. Pr<strong>of</strong>. Mkhize has contributed extensively in the field <strong>of</strong> mental health as a practicing clinical psychologist and academically as a lecturer in the field. She has participated internationally at conferences and seminars in programs addressing issues such as human rights, the effects <strong>of</strong> torture on victims, children in armed conflict, mental health <strong>of</strong> women political repatriates, the use <strong>of</strong> drugs among adolescents and the challenge <strong>of</strong> child mental health. As Deputy Minister <strong>of</strong> <strong>Correctional</strong> <strong>Services</strong> she continues to focus her energies on women and children in our correctional centers with the same zeal that has become the hallmark <strong>of</strong> both her work and personal life. Before she was appointed Deputy Minister <strong>of</strong> <strong>Correctional</strong> <strong>Services</strong> Pr<strong>of</strong>. Mkhize served the country as the Ambassador to Netherlands. Minister celebrates Freedom Day with KZN <strong>of</strong>ficials By Nokuthula Zikhali Officials from the KwaZulu Natal Region’s seven management areas celebrated the provincial leg <strong>of</strong> the Freedom Day on 30 April with Minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula and also witnessed as she <strong>of</strong>ficially unveiled new Parole Board and Dog Unit <strong>of</strong>fices. Ms Mapisa-Nqakula was accompanied by the CDC for Development and Care Ms Subashnee Moodley, Eastern Cape Regional Commissioner Ms Nontsikelelo Jolingana to an event that was attended by Mr Mnikelwa Nxele (RC KZN), <strong>of</strong>fenders from Kokstad Management Area, Minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula and KZN Regional Commissioner Mnikelwa Nxele getting to know her <strong>of</strong>ficials in KwaZulu Natal during the celebrations <strong>of</strong> Freedom Day. local stakeholders and sister government departments. In her address the, minister called on everyone to recall the mixture <strong>of</strong> sadness and fondness witnessed on the day Nelson Mandela walked out <strong>of</strong> the then Victor Verster Prison on 0 February 990. She also sent We serve with pride! The Amathole Management Area Commissioner, Ms Noziphiwo Dumbela, Minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula and National Commissioner, Mr Tom Moyane share a delightful moment with the Head <strong>of</strong> Middledrift <strong>Correctional</strong> Centre, Marius Palvie who had just received a 30 year service award. Adopt a new work ethos; Minister By: Zama Feni <strong>Correctional</strong> <strong>of</strong>ficials who have just joined the <strong>Department</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Correctional</strong> <strong>Services</strong> should adopt a new work ethos that will help to push the department’s vision forward. This was a message from the Minister <strong>of</strong> <strong>Correctional</strong> <strong>Services</strong> Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula during the graduation ceremony <strong>of</strong> more than 500 learners at two separate ceremonies held at the St Albans and East London <strong>Correctional</strong> Centres on 07 and 08 June. The St Albans certificates awards ceremony had a total <strong>of</strong> 2 9 learners who are currently stationed at the Sada, Kirkwood and St Albans Management Areas while the East London ceremony had 4 graduates who are stationed at the Mthatha, Amathole and East London Management Areas. In her welcoming address, Regional Com- everyone back the memory lane at the historical moment <strong>of</strong> the 27th <strong>of</strong> April 994, when he (Mr Nelson Mandela) was sworn as the first democratically elected President <strong>of</strong> the country, with pride and fond memories. “I am reflecting on this rich path that all <strong>of</strong> us travelled to attain our democracy. On occasions such as this one, we should always quote from some <strong>of</strong> the most inspiring words <strong>of</strong> his speech on that day, to remind ourselves what this freedom means to each one <strong>of</strong> us”, said the Minister . The Minister also directed her message to the <strong>of</strong>fenders who were attending the event and said that the nature <strong>of</strong> the crimes they missioner Nontsikelelo Jolingana said, “Our organisation is plagued by a lot <strong>of</strong> negativity, which I believe it’s incumbent on everyone <strong>of</strong> us to uproot it from its deepest roots. If we continue to fuel negative energy, we will walk the talk and remain negative. But if we strive for excellence, we shall achieve the desired outcome. We are what we repeatedly do.” At both the ceremonies, Ms Mapisa-Nqakula told the new graduates that “you have a huge challenge to help change human behaviour, a task that is not very easy. This is a task that will demand diligence and commitment at all times.” Minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula giving an interview to the SABC at the opening <strong>of</strong> the Parole Board <strong>of</strong>fice in KwaZulu Natal MAY/JUNE <strong>20</strong> 0 She added that the department expects an <strong>of</strong>ficial who will never abuse inmates and do all sorts <strong>of</strong> illegal practices. She said that she expects that the graduates will adhere to the code <strong>of</strong> conduct at all times. She called for programmes to ensure that the use <strong>of</strong> <strong>of</strong>fender labour is intensified and that young <strong>of</strong>fenders should be encouraged to study. “We cannot have a situation where <strong>of</strong>fenders watch TV and bask in the sun the whole day – at some time in your lives, you will leave the correctional centres and it will be better for you to leave with something in your hand,” she said. Minister Nosiviwe Mapisa Nqakula congratulating Ms Johanna Classen,the Head <strong>of</strong> Kirkwood Centre <strong>of</strong> Excellence for her 30 years <strong>of</strong> service with the department. On the other hand, the National Commissioner Tom Moyane called on the graduates to work smarter, be accountable and ensure sustainability <strong>of</strong> rehabilitation programmes for the <strong>of</strong>fenders. Commissioner Moyane said the department cannot allow its image to be tainted by a few corrupt individuals. He said he would encourage inter-regional sessions where regions will be copy best practices from the each other. He said in a few months time, he would like to meet all the Area Commissioners, Regional Heads, Heads <strong>of</strong> <strong>Correctional</strong> Centres to discuss issues <strong>of</strong> concern. have committed, does not have to mean the end <strong>of</strong> their lives. She said that all <strong>of</strong>fenders have got a second chance <strong>of</strong>fered through various rehabilitation programmes. “No human being was born, as a rule <strong>of</strong> nature, to lead a criminal life, to be a gangster and to have no inkling <strong>of</strong> compassion for the other human beings,” emphasizes the Minister. In conclusion, the Minister said freedom should be a platform to renew our call for an end to domestic violence and the abuse <strong>of</strong> women and children where we should all reserve our pr<strong>of</strong>ound intolerance for those, who in order to satisfy their sick desires, harm and destroy the innocence <strong>of</strong> our children.
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