…resumes official duties after period of medical recovery
…command structures retained to ensure smooth operations
BY MBONGENI NDLELA
MBABANE – His Majesty’s Correctional Services (HMCS) Commissioner General LaMakhosini Phindile Dlamini has officially returned to work after spending time away from office receiving medical treatment and recovering from injuries sustained in a serious accident.
Her return, effective 24 August 2026, places her back at the helm of the country’s correctional service and marks a significant step in her recovery journey.
The development was formally communicated through Directive No. 02 of 2026, issued by the Commissioner General to the HMCS Executive Command, regional commissioners, officers-in-charge, heads of sections and officers across all ranks.
According to the directive, the Commissioner General’s resumption of duty follows a period during which she was absent from office because of medical recovery following the accident.
While Dlamini has made sufficient progress to return to her responsibilities, the directive indicates that her journey towards full recovery is still continuing.
Her comeback therefore represents not only a return to leadership responsibilities, but an encouraging milestone following what had been a difficult period away from active duty.
HMCS has, however, put measures in place to ensure that the Commissioner General’s return does not interrupt administrative and operational systems that were established during her absence.
Under the arrangements, all regional commissioners, officers-in-charge and heads of sections will continue reporting directly to Deputy Commissioner General Bongani F. Khumalo.
Operational correspondence and reports will similarly continue moving through the established administrative structures, while administrative reports intended for the Commissioner General will be transmitted through the Deputy Commissioner General.
The arrangement is expected to allow Dlamini to gradually resume her full responsibilities while maintaining stability and continuity within the correctional service.
The directive makes it clear that senior officers and commanders are expected to strictly observe the established reporting channels.
The Executive Command, regional commissioners, officers-in-charge and heads of sections were further instructed to immediately communicate the directive to personnel under their respective commands.
For HMCS officers, Dlamini’s return provides continuity at the highest level of the institution at a time when disciplined command, effective administration and uninterrupted service remain central to the organisation’s mandate.
In her communication, the Commissioner General also expressed appreciation for the support she received during the period she was away from office.
She thanked officers for their continued dedication, discipline and support, signalling appreciation for those who kept the institution functioning while she concentrated on her recovery.
Her return also highlights the importance of institutional systems that enable public organisations to continue operating even when senior leaders are temporarily unable to perform their duties.
Throughout Dlamini’s absence, HMCS maintained its established command structure to ensure that correctional facilities, administrative functions and operational responsibilities continued without disruption.
With the Commissioner General now officially back at work, attention is expected to turn towards strengthening those operations while allowing her sufficient space to continue with her recovery.
HMCS confirmed that the established command and administrative arrangements will remain operational to ensure a smooth transition and uninterrupted functioning of the Service.
The institution has also expressed appreciation for the cooperation and support extended during the Commissioner General’s absence.
Dlamini’s return is consequently both an administrative development and a personal recovery milestone, bringing her back to the institution she leads while maintaining safeguards designed to support her continued recovery.
HMCS said it remained firmly focused on fulfilling its mandate and maintaining effective correctional services across the country.
