2 February 2006
The Presidential appointment of a new Deputy Minister of Correctional
Services, Ms Loretta Jacobus, has been welcomed by Correctional Services
Minister Ngconde Balfour and Commissioner Linda Mti today.
Minister Balfour said Ms Jacobusâs experience as a campaigner for social
justice, gender equality and human rights would definitely be of great value to
Correctional Services. Her reputation as a hard worker precedes her and will be
most welcome as the Department of Correctional Services (DCS) intensifies its
transformation agenda. Minister Balfour expressed his appreciation of the
Presidentâs decision to replace the outgoing Deputy Minister with another woman
Deputy Minister, saying âI trust she will help with infusing corrections
responsibilities back into families and communities in order to develop more
upright and good citizens.â
Also Correctional Services Commissioner Linda Mti said her appointment will
enhance the Departmentâs efforts to mainstream corrections in the development
of South African society. Her work in the social cluster will give meaning to
our efforts to make corrections a societal responsibility.
Ms Jacobus was sworn in today in Cape Town. She has been the
Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Arts and Culture in the National
Assembly since 2004. Ms Jacobus, a former Social Worker, became a Member of
Parliament in 1999 representing Gauteng at the National Council of Province
(NCOP). She held a number of positions in various NCOP and National Assembly
Committees.
The Minister and the Commissioner urge all DCS members, in various parts of
the country, to give the new Deputy Minister all the support she will need to
carry out her functions well.
Ms Jacobus replaces former Correctional Services Deputy Minister Cheryl
Gillwald who requested to be relieved of her duties on 31 January 2006 in order
to focus on family needs.
Enquiries:
Deputy Commissioner
Manelisi Wolela
Cell: 083 6260304
Tel: (012) 3058205
Acting Media Liaison Officer
Bheki Manzini
Cell: 082 773 6151
Issued by: Department of Correctional Services
2 February 2006
