BY MBONO MDLULI
MBABANE – Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini urges inmates to learn from their experiences and come out as responsible citizens.
Dlamini said this yesterday (Monday, July 29, 2024) when he toured the Matsapha Central Correctional Centre and Correctional Staff College. The premier went there to determine the level of preparedness for the upcoming Correctional Day, which is scheduled to take place this coming Friday (August 2, 2024).
“While at the facility, we had the opportunity to interact with inmates and encouraged them to learn from their experiences and come out as responsible citizens,” Dlamini said on his Facebook page.
He also toured the facility and appreciated the wonderful artisan work that the inmates did in carpentry, welding, sewing as well as in agriculture, among other skills. “It was encouraging to also note the infrastructural development taking place at the facility,” he said.
According to information from His Majesty’s Correctional Services (HMCS), Dlamini was amazed to see good-humoured and in fine fettle inmates during his tour at Matsapha Correctional Centre yesterday. Dlamini was accompanied by the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs HRH Prince Simelane, PM’s Office Principal Secretary Bertram Stewart, Principal Secretary (PS) and Under Secretary (US) in the Ministry Dorcas Dlamini and Gugu Nsibandze respectively.
HMCS Commissioner General LaMakhosini Phindile Dlamini and the HMCS Executive and other senior officials were also present during the occasion. The Prime minister was briefed about the programmes offered by the centre, as well as challenges comprising inmate overcrowding, dilapidated structures, recidivism and shortage of staff housing. The PM also visited the industries section, inmates holding cells amongst others.
According to the HMCS, it is all systems go for the Correctional Services Day and Passing – out Parade this coming Friday. Held under the theme ‘Enhancing stakeholder relations for community corrections and social cohesion,’ the 16th edition of commemorating the Correctional Day coupled with the passing-out parade will be held at the staff training college in Matsapha, commencing at 9am.
This auspicious event will see a cohort of 289 trainees taking their oath of service in front of Their Majesties. HMCS Commissioner General LaMakhosini Phindile Dlamini invited parents/guardians, stakeholders and the nation at large to come in numbers to witness the department’s double celebration. According to the weather forecast for the big day, it will be generally clear and warm with temperatures from 12-25 degrees celsius.
