BY NONCEDO SHABANGU
MBABANE– His Majesty’s Correctional Services (HMCS) Deputy Commissioner General Luke Malindzisa and Chief Officer Thamsanqa Phakathi are representing Eswatini at the 27th Annual Conference and Annual General Meeting of the International Corrections and Prisons Association (ICPA).
Hosted at Istanbul’s Conrad Bosphorus Hotel, the global gathering has transformed the city into a hub for dialogue and innovation in the field of corrections. The conference, which runs from 26 to 31 October 2025, is being held under the theme “Wellbeing in Corrections: Initiatives for Staff, Systems and Communities.”
The event brings together correctional experts, policymakers, and reform advocates from across the world to exchange experiences, explore modern rehabilitation strategies, and strengthen collaboration toward more effective and humane correctional systems. Key discussions focus on staff welfare, technology integration in corrections, and community-based reintegration programmes.
Commissioner General of HMCS, LaMakhosini Phindile Dlamini, emphasised that Eswatini’s participation at such a prestigious international platform offers invaluable opportunities for learning and alignment with global, evidence-based correctional standards.
“Engaging at this level allows HMCS to draw on international experiences and explore innovative approaches that can improve the quality and efficiency of correctional services in Eswatini,” she said.
Throughout the week, delegates are expected to deliberate on topics including technology use in prisons, mental health and healthcare for inmates, vocational training as a pathway to reintegration, and community-based rehabilitation models. The conference also highlights the importance of staff wellbeing and professional development as critical components of sustainable correctional outcomes.
As part of the programme, participants will embark on study visits to various correctional facilities across Türkiye. These visits will offer firsthand insights into the country’s approaches to prison management, rehabilitation, and reintegration — providing valuable lessons to inform Eswatini’s ongoing reforms.
Through its participation in the ICPA Annual Conference, HMCS continues to demonstrate its commitment to adopting international best practices, enhancing staff welfare, and strengthening its contribution to community safety and social justice within Eswatini’s correctional landscape.
(Courtesy Pic)
