By Nomsa Dlamini (Intern)
MSAHWENI – His Majesty’s Correctional Services (HMCS) is strengthening its role in youth development by collaborating with schools to instil discipline, promote positive choices, and address rising social challenges affecting young people. On Friday, 4 July 2025, HMCS officers visited Ludzibini High School in the Hhohho region as part of this initiative.
The outreach programme focused on engaging students in open, practical discussions around the importance of self-discipline and the consequences of risky behaviour. Officers addressed issues such as gangsterism, bullying, early dating, alcohol and drug abuse, as well as criminal involvement, topics that continue to affect learners both inside and outside school premises.
The visit was designed not just to warn students, but to motivate and encourage them to take charge of their future. The officers highlighted the importance of making informed decisions, resisting peer pressure, and staying focused on long-term goals. Personal safety was also discussed, particularly in light of concerns over kidnappings and other threats faced by youth today.
A key part of the programme involved a testimony from a reformed offender who had served over 13 years in prison. His experience served as a real-life example of the consequences of poor decision-making. He shared his journey through incarceration and how he managed to rebuild his life, sending a strong message about the importance of avoiding criminal behaviour and the possibility of rehabilitation.
Sibongile Gama, head teacher of Ludzibini High School , thanked the Commissioner General for facilitating the visit, stating that the engagement gave students more than guidance, it helped them rethink their decisions and consider the long-term impact on their lives.
The visit forms part of HMCS’s broader crime prevention strategy, which includes school visits as a platform to raise awareness and encourage responsible citizenship from an early age. By working hand-in-hand with schools, HMCS aims to tackle the root causes of crime and empower learners with the knowledge and values needed to make better life choices.
(Courtesy Pics)
