BY VUYISWA MABILA
MBABANE – His Majesty’s Correctional Services (HMCS) athletes have once again made their presence felt, following their outstanding performance at this year’s Imbube Marathon, where they claimed top honours in several categories.
The athletes’ impressive results at the marathon demonstrated the success of this approach. In the 21km Female Category, Thobile Ngwenyama claimed first place, while in the 21km Male Category, Ncamiso Hlatjwako also secured first place, followed by Sipho Mamba, who finished third. In the Masters Category, Lucky Bhembe achieved second place, rounding off an exceptional performance by the team.
The Commissioner General of His Majesty’s Correctional Services, LaMakhosini Phindile Dlamini, commended the Correctional Athletics Club during a press briefing held at the Correctional Headquarters in Mbabane on Thursday. She praised the athletes for their discipline, hard work, and commitment, noting that their achievements reflect the department’s ongoing efforts to promote rehabilitation, fitness, and wellness through sport.
“You have hoisted not only the department’s flag but the nation’s,” declared Commissioner General Dlamini. “Your dedication and success are a source of inspiration to all Emaswati, and a reflection of the excellence we strive to instil within our service.”
She further highlighted that the department views sport as a crucial component of rehabilitation and reintegration. Through athletic training and competition, members of the Correctional Services are encouraged to pursue personal development, teamwork, and a healthy lifestyle.
Representing the athletes, Bhembe expressed gratitude for the department’s unwavering support and recognition. However, he also highlighted some of the challenges faced during training, particularly the lack of easy access to training facilities.
“Many of us live far from the main training areas,” Bhembe explained. “This makes it difficult to maintain a consistent routine, but our passion and commitment to representing both the department and the country keep us going.”
Despite these challenges, the Correctional Athletics Club continues to perform at the highest level, serving as a model of perseverance and teamwork. Their success at the Imbube Marathon is seen not only as a sporting victory but also as a testament to the transformative power of sport in building discipline and character.
Commissioner General Dlamini added that the Correctional Services will continue to support initiatives that promote wellness and rehabilitation among its members. She stated that the athletes’ achievements reaffirm the department’s vision of creating opportunities for positive change and self-improvement through structured physical activity.
“These victories show that sport is more than competition; it is a pathway to empowerment and national unity,” Dlamini said. “Our athletes have demonstrated that with determination, anything is possible.”
The success of the Correctional Athletics Club has inspired renewed interest in sporting activities within the service, with plans underway to expand training programmes and encourage greater participation at both local and international levels.
Their triumph at the Imbube Marathon not only uplifted the Correctional Services but also showcased Eswatini’s growing talent and determination on the regional sporting stage — reminding all that excellence is achievable through dedication, discipline, and teamwork.
Courtesy Pic)
