Program director
Minister of Correctional Services, Comrade Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula
Correctional Services National Commissioner, Tom Moyane
Acting Regional Commissioner here in Gauteng, Kenny Bouwer
Members of the National Executive Management Team Present here
Senior Managers of Correctional Services Present here
Friends and Colleagues
It is precisely twenty two days since the President of our Republic entrusted us with the task of assisting carry out the mandate of the Department of Correctional Services and ensure its successful positioning as an integral component in the value chain of an Integrated Criminal Justice System which our government is committed to.
I am pleased to inform you that since coming onboard we have been well received under the leadership of our Minister, Comrade Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula.
We equally have every confidence that in the spirit of masibambisane that this minister has demonstrated as we work together, indeed the monumental task of getting the Department of Correctional Services on the right track and of turning this vast department around is not just possible but achievable.
Under the guidance of Minister Mapisa-Nqakula and Correctional Services National Commissioner Moyane we have been briefed on the task at hand and appreciate the complex nature of challenges confronting us all.
In deed we are ready to hit the ground running as we roll up our sleeves and do the actual work but also as we learn together ensuring that as a collective we deliver on what has been entrusted to us.
As we all know the Department of Correctional Services’ turn around drive is well under way.
These are also exciting times for us all as the department charts new territories in this resolve.
Minister Mapisa-Nqakula and I have met and discussed particular areas of focus for the Office of the Deputy Minister of Correctional Services.
We shall indeed be paying particular attention to the areas of managing the setting up of the Remand Detention Branch as instructed by Cabinet in 2006.
We shall be looking at ways of enhancing the working relationship with our valued partner, the Office of the Inspecting Judge.
We will also be looking at innovative ways of strengthening the capacity of our Community Corrections and supervision capabilities, within the constraints of shortages of personnel that we are all aware of.
The strengthening of our Legal Services capabilities as well as restricting this all important link in our chain will be a priority.
As well as enhancing our overall participation particularly in the ongoing review of the Criminal Justice System in our country.
While we have been allocated these responsibilities, Minister Mapisa-Nqakula has further asked that we be fully involved and assist her in the execution of the entire mandate of the department as part of the Ministry of Correctional Services.
Over the next few weeks and months we will be meeting with you at both senior and lower levels as we immerse ourselves in this all important work.
I trust that we shall all work to put the success of the Department of Correctional Services ahead of all other competing interests.
Thank you once again for your warm welcome.
I thank you.
