The Department of Correctional Services will host its Western Cape regional leg of the National Excellence Awards today, 4 February 2011 at the Lord Charles Hotel, Somerset West, at 19H00. The Awards are aimed at recognising the department’s officials who go beyond the call of duty in doing their work.
Background
In its concerted efforts and drive to improve the quality of service delivery, and to ensure that South Africans are and feel safe, the Department of Correctional Services will host its Western Cape regional leg of the National Excellence Awards, aimed at recognising employees who have performed outstanding work and gone beyond the call of duty.
This week’s Excellence Awards, spanningjust over three years now, will see men and women strutting across the stage, smiles beaming proudly on their faces, as the Department of Correctional Services acknowledges their achievements, often attained under strenuous and intense security conditions.
The regional event, to be held at the Lord Charles Hotel in Somerset West on Friday evening, will witness mothers, fathers, brothers and sisters accompanied by ecstatic family members, ululating with joy and happiness.
Achievements range from categories which include the Mlombile Award, a posthumous award in honour of officials who died in the line of duty, and for their commitment to ensuring that South Africa continues to protect its citizens, upholding the letter and spirit of democracy as enshrined in the Constitution.
The Good Governance Award, for example, recognises individuals who are champions of an efficiency services delivery, men and women who stand against any form of fraud and corruption – ensuring transformation and promoting transparency and integrity within the Department of Correctional Services and government in general.
The Public Safety Award focuses on public servants who excel in enhancing security, the humane treatment and custody of offenders, reducing escapes and improving compliance with security standards in an attempt to increase peace and security within all communities.
The Masibambisane Award promotes the work of officials who encourage the public participation of communities in the work of the Department of Correctional Service, the main aim being the establishment of an effective social reintegration process, emphasising on forgiveness and reconciliation between victims and offenders by teaching all participants about the basic tenets of restorative justice.
The above category also seeks to break the cycle of crime through the prevention of recidivism or repeat offence by promoting dialogue and constructive interaction between communities and ex-offenders. In fact, the Regional Commissioner of the Western Cape, Mr James Smalberger, believes that “it is very important for the victims of crime, ex-offenders and communities themselves, to find each and reconcile through the opportunities provided by the concept of restorative justice. But, most importantly, it is very important that the victim is always placed at the centre of the entire process, so that we ensure fairness and justice”.
The main objective of the Batho Pele Award is the recognition of public servants who excel in providing good customer care, good service to all members of the public, timely responsiveness and fairness and promoting the development and growth of people – demonstrating continued commitment to excellence.
The National Commissioner’s Award promotes teams who have displayed the unity and togetherness while performing their daily duties. This category also promotes innovation and creativity in their work and delivering exceptional services to members of the public.
The Deputy Minister’s Award often goes to the team that has contributed to a positive, healthy environment and to the wellness of fellow employees, proving to be positive role models and ideal correctional officials, with zero tolerance for crime and corruption.
And last but not by any means least is the Minister’s Award, which is meant for teams who have displayed a well rounded and balanced performance throughout the year.
Through these highly esteemed Excellence Awards, the Department of Correctional Services remains committed to effective and clean governance. Our mission is to ensure that we cultivate exemplary public servants whose first and foremost calling is the provision of an excellent service delivery to all members of the public,” Commissioner Smalberger said.
For more information contact:
Simphiwe Xako
Cell: 079 5010 272
