New Kimberly Correctional Centre officially opened and named
Tswelopele

The Deputy Minister of Correctional Services Dr Ngoako Ramatlhodi led the official opening of the new state-of-theart Kimberly based correctional facility in partnership with the project partner Ms Gwen Mahlangu-Nkabinde, the Minister of Public Works – the department that builds and leases facilities on behalf of government.

The facility has been renamed as Tswelopele (meaning progress) Correctional Centre by Minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula and has been open for operation since February 2010 prior to the official opening.

Dr Ramatlhodi described the opening of the R824 million worth facility as an august occasion and heaped praises to the Department of Public Works for the strengthened partnership and the Sol Plaatjie Municipality for availing the land to build the monumental correctional facility.

While addressing the community gathered in the marquee within the newly named Tswelopele Correctional Centre, Dr Ramatlhodi said that the same facility was built with the consideration of the community' safety and urged the members of the community not to condemn offenders repeatedly but contribute to their reformation while in incarceration.

“We took a stand to prepare offenders for a successful reintegration once they have served their time and we have designed this new generation facility to rehabilitate them under humane conditions. Together with you, we need your support them. It is not a favour that we ask you to give rehabilitated offenders a second chance, it's your responsibility as well because corrections is a societal responsibility,” said Dr Ramatlhodi.

The Deputy Minister reiterated Minister Mapisa-Nqakula's wishes and said that a policy has been approved to make education compulsory for offenders of school going age, particularly the youth. “Any society that is not investing in its youth will be doomed forever. We are giving them all these opportunities so that they can return to your families and homes to add value rather than to burden you,” he cautioned.

During the second part of the proceeding, Minister Mahlangu-Nkabinde handed over the symbolic key to the Deputy Minister to declare the facility open and called for the two departments to maintain the healthy working relationship. “Let us keep this partnership strong and alive. This key should not be lost. It's a symbol of departments working together and it confirms government's call that working together we can do more,” Said Minister Mahlangu-Nkabinde.

The Public Works minister said that government should put a stop to buying furniture at established outlets and enrich rich businesses while forgetting to invest in local productions such as ones produced by offender at various correctional facilities including at Tswelopele, to empower people who need reaffirmation that they are worthy citizens. “We spend millions as Public Works and as government buying furniture. That needs to come to an end.

Office furniture should be manufactured by offenders,” she urged. The minister challenged government and said, “Let us as the public sector lead by example and show compassion to our investments (offenders). It should be us who do not scrutinise the curriculum vitaes of ex-offenders when job opportunities arise in government. They are human beings like everyone else and they belong with us. We should New Kimberly Correctional Centre officially opened and named Tswelopele.

The Deputy Minister of Correctional Services Dr Ngoako Ramatlhodi, leading the official opening of the new state-of-the-art Kimberly based correctionalfacility in partnership with the project partner Ms Gwen Mahlangu-Nkabinde, the Minister of Public Works be able to assist them with the skills that they have acquired from our systems as government. If we take that first step, the private sector will follow suit.”

Present at the opening were the Premier of the Northern Cape Ms Hazel Jenkins and the Executive Mayor of Sol Plaatjie Municipality Ms Alderman Everyday whom together with Dr Ramatlhodi and Ms Mahlangu-Nkabinde received painting images of themselves done by offenders as gifts. Members of the Portfolio Committee on Corrections where also present to witness the historic opening of the model facility.

Member of the community where in endless exclamation while witnessing the artwork produced by offenders and the choral and musical performances showcased by inmates while rendering the entertainment slot.

The leadership core and the media entourage got an opportunity to tour the facility and visited the admission section, the bakery, the hospital, the cells and vocational projects where offenders learn their skills.

The facility is run by electronic monitoring and surveillance cameras and doors open at the press of a button, there are no traditional large keys used at old facilities. The outside view is a marvel to watch and the outside surrounding is well kept. The authorities there say people mistaken the facility for a private hospital for its appeal.