Correctional Services
10 November 2006
After months of negotiations I wish to confirm that my country has assigned
me to fulfil another crucial responsibility, and that is to join a preparatory
team for the 2010 Soccer World Cup. If I had my way, I would have preferred to
spend more years in Correctional Services to ensure that the implementation of
the White Paper on Corrections is accelerated.
I am leaving at the end of November 2006, with absolute confidence that
under the great leadership of the Minister, Deputy Minister and the Executive
Management Committee all personnel will intensify their efforts to be among the
leading correctional systems in the world.
The invaluable hard and happy moments I shared with all of you helped in
replacing the misgivings I had about being deployed to Correctional Services at
the height of its challenges in 2001. With hindsight I can attest that from
being a prisoner during the apartheid era to being responsible for transforming
the same institutions into caring institutions, and correcting those that
wronged society, I gained unique insights that improved my life in many
respects. I must admit, I have grown as a person, as a manager and as a leader
during my time at Correctional Services.
Correctional Services made many strides over the past few years and
established commendable trends that confirm that the strategic direction we
have adopted is absolutely correct. I believe your dedication and commitment
during my years as administrative head of this department will ensure that no
effort was spared to attain the goals enunciated in our Constitution, other
legislation and the White Paper on Corrections.
In particular I trust you will build on these achievements to ensure
delivery on our priorities that include reducing overcrowding, clean audit
ratings, arresting and reversing the spread of HIV and AIDS, reducing escapes,
acts of assault and gangsterism.
I appeal to inmates to make the best use of the opportunities for
rehabilitation created by Correctional Services.
I am grateful to the leadership of Minister Ngconde Balfour and Deputy
Minister Loretta Jacobus, to the support of the Executive Management Committee,
the Management, staff, the labour unions and various service providers and
partners from a range of sectors including the non-governmental organisations
(NGOs), community-based organisations (CBOs) and faith-based organisations
(FBOs).
Yours in putting people first.
Issued by: Department of Correctional Services
10 November 2006
Source: Department of Correctional Services (http://www.dcs.gov.za)
