The Department of Correctional Services tonight, 19 March 2015 honoured its torch-bearers of corrections excellence at a function held at the Cape Town International Convention Centre.
The top 11 gold medalists were selected by independent judges from 66 nominees coming from all six regions of Correctional Services, who themselves were selected from thousands of submissions coming from 243 correctional centres nationally.
The Deputy Minister of Justice and Correctional Services, Thabang Makwetla assisted by the Acting National Commissioner Zach Modise handed the awards at a glitzy and glamourous ceremony held at the Cape Town Convention Centre. Corrections Excellence torch-bearers recognized for distinguished performance covering 11 categories will join a growing elite group of Ambassadors of Excellence. They include the following:
- Batho Pele Award recognises those who place people first in their endeavors to deliver better and smatter services and outcomes in the public service: Bongi Masilela (082 6426121) of the Rustenburg Correctional Centre in the Limpopo, Mpumalanga and North West Region took the honours.
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Good Governance Award recognizes those excelling in promoting an ethical and clean system of governance that, in practical terms, demonstrates zero tolerance of fraud and corruption: Silungile Gumede (083 5954260) of Krugersdorp Correctional Centre in Gauteng took the flag.
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Masibambisane Award is about honouring those that demonstrated deep understanding and practical translation of the view that corrections is a societal responsibility by inspiring and mobilizing communities to play a role in corrections: Bulelani Letuka (074 4088099) of Kokstad Management Area in KwaZulu Natal became a torchbearer.
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Public Safety Award recognizes those excelling in advancing safe and humane custody of offenders to protect victims, communities and even offenders from themselves: Lewis Carolissen (073 4050750) of Allandale Management Area in the Western Cape led all in this regard.
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Education and Training Award recognizes outstanding individuals that have contributed in centralizing education and training in the rehabilitation of offenders. Focus is on better education outcomes: Norman Luthuli (0726584164) of Empangeni Management Area in KwaZulu-Natal emerged as the leader in the category.
Photographs of the winners are available on request. Arrangements can be made for interviews of the leadership of the department and the winners.
Enquiries:
Manelisi Wolela
Cell: 076 062 2180
