BY MBONO MDLULI
MATSAPHA – His Majesty King Mswati III has expressed gratitude towards correctional services commissioners from various countries for their participation in the 17th Correctional Services Day.
This occasion highlights the importance of collaboration among African nations in improving correctional services.
Key Highlights
– Event Location: The event was held on June 20, 2024 at the His Majesty’s Correctional Services (HMCS) Staff College in Matsapha.
– International Collaboration: The presence of foreign commissioners signifies a commitment to working together to enhance correctional systems across the African continent.
– Recognition: Special acknowledgment was given to the visiting heads of corrections from different regions, emphasizing a shared vision of creating humane and equitable correctional systems.
– His Majesty’s Correctional Services (HMCS) was also celebrating 30 years of the institution’s transformation from being prisons to becoming a correctional institution.
– The transformation of the institution was in line with the Correctional Services Act of 2017, which repealed the Prisons Act of 1964.
– The Correctional Services Act of 2017 is also supplemented by Correctional Services Regulations of 2022.
Celebrating Achievements
The event also served to congratulate the Kingdom of Eswatini for being elected as the regional vice chairperson of the African Correctional Services Association (ACSA) for the second time.
Message of Compassion
King Mswati III highlighted that the focus of the correctional system is shifting towards compassion over punishment, which marks a significant achievement in the ongoing evolution of correctional practices.
Performance Recognition
– The king commended the correctional officers for their excellent drills and performances, showcasing discipline, skill, and teamwork.
– Special thanks were extended to the instructors for their dedication in preparing the officers for the event, leading to a powerful and inspiring display.
Conclusion
This gathering not only celebrates the accomplishments of the correctional services but also reinforces the importance of unity and collaboration in addressing challenges faced within the correctional systems across Africa. The commitment to improving lives and communities remains a central theme of this initiative.
