BY MBONGENI NDLELA
MATSAPHA– Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini has reaffirmed ed Government’s commitment to strengthening Eswatini’s correctional system, praising His Majesty’s Correctional Services for transforming prisons from centres of punishment into institutions focused on rehabilitation, skills development and second chances.
Speaking during the commemoration of the 18th His Majesty’s Correctional Services Day at Matsapha Correctional Services College on Friday, the Prime Minister said the country’s correctional system had made significant progress in helping offenders rebuild their lives and become productive members of society.
The event was attended by His Majesty King Mswati III, Her Majesty the Indlovukazi, members of the Royal Family, Cabinet Ministers, parliamentarians, members of the diplomatic corps, correctional service leaders from across Africa and other distinguished guests.
Dlamini commended correctional officers and management for their professionalism and dedication in advancing a correctional system that is both humane and transformative.
He highlighted the growing impact of rehabilitation programmes offered within correctional facilities, including psychosocial support services, vocational skills training, cultural activities and sporting programmes.
According to the Prime Minister, these initiatives are playing a critical role in changing lives by helping offenders develop new skills, rebuild their confidence and prepare for successful reintegration into their communities after serving their sentences.
The Prime Minister described the evolution of His Majesty’s Correctional Services as one of the country’s major institutional achievements. He said the organisation had successfully moved away from a traditional custodial approach towards a modern correctional model centred on rehabilitation and personal transformation.
Dlamini said this shift reflects a fundamental belief that every individual deserves an opportunity to change and become a positive contributor to national development.
However, the Prime Minister acknowledged that correctional institutions around the world continue to face mounting challenges, including rising offender populations, increasingly complex security risks and growing social and psychological needs of inmates.
In response, Dlamini assured the nation that Government remains fully committed to supporting His Majesty’s Correctional Services. He said Government would continue providing the necessary resources and policy support to ensure the institution remains capable of delivering efficient, sustainable and humane correctional services.
The Prime Minister’s remarks underscored a broader national vision: a correctional system that protects society while also restoring hope, dignity and opportunity to those seeking a second chance.
