BY MBONO MDLULI
MATSAPHA – His Majesty’s Correctional Services (HMCS) has presented three cattle and two cattle to His Majesty King Mswati III and Her Majesty the Indlovukazi, respectively.
This happened on June 20, 2025 at HMCS Staff College in Matsapha, during the 17th Correctional Services Day, where the HMCS was also celebrating 30 years of having been transformed by the king from being prison to being a correctional institution.
Announcement
The kind gesture from HMCS was announced by Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs Prince Simelane, who also announced that HMCS has also forked out an amount of E50 000 to Her Majesty the Indlovukazi, which will be transferred to Philani Maswati Charity Organisation, to help the elderly people in the country.
Prince Simelane said HMCS also presented vegetables which were in two vans to Their Majesties, as a token of appreciation for being with them during their important day.
Donations
The minister also mentioned that the HMCS had improved over time, such that it also had materials, such as vehicles, it could work with. He thanked the Governments from the Republic of China (Taiwan) and the Republic of Korea for donating ambulances to the institution.
He said these ambulances would go a long way in helping correctional services officers, as well as inmates in making sure that they have access to health facilities when the time came.
King’s Reaction
Making his remarks, the king thanked the HMCS for giving such wonderful gifts to Their Majesties and he wished that whatever they produced could be in abundance. His Majesty the King further commended the HMCS for its ongoing efforts in rehabilitating offenders and transforming their lives.
Key Points from the Address
– Rehabilitation Focus: The King highlighted the HMCS’s pivotal role in rehabilitating offenders since its transformation from a prison to a correctional institution in 1995.
– Three Decades of Progress: Celebrating 30 years of transformation, the 2025 theme was “Celebrating the Transformative Power of Second Chances: A 30 Year Milestone.” This marks a significant shift from punitive methods to rehabilitative approaches.
Transformation in Correctional Philosophy
– The King noted a critical transition from retribution to rehabilitation, which has unlocked potential for both offenders and society.
– He urged correctional officers to promote an environment that upholds human dignity, encourages personal growth, and enhances public safety.
Embracing Innovation
– As part of the celebrations, the King encouraged the incorporation of new technologies and initiatives to improve the effectiveness of correctional services.
Acknowledgment of Correctional Officers
– The King recognized the tireless efforts and dedication of correctional officers, whose commitment to a system rooted in compassion, fairness, and restorative justice is unparalleled.
– He reaffirmed the belief in character building and the potential for redemption, emphasizing that everyone has the right to reintegrate into society and contribute positively.
Looking Ahead
– The day served not only to celebrate past advancements but also to inspire future possibilities in the correctional services.
– The King’s message underscores a long-term commitment to excellence in the rehabilitation and reintegration of offenders, marking a significant step towards a more humane and effective correctional system.
