His Majesty King Mswati III has urged correctional officers to uphold the highest standards of discipline and professionalism, reminding them that their responsibility to the nation extends beyond their official working hours.
The King made the call during the 18th Correctional Services Day held at His Majesty’s Correctional Services College in Matsapha, where he commended correctional officers for their commitment to national security, maintaining the rule of law and rehabilitating offenders.
His Majesty said the nation was heartened by the selflessness and vigilance demonstrated by correctional officers, particularly as they often work alongside other members of the country’s security cluster in preserving peace and the rule of law. 
“We are heartened by the selflessness and vigilance you deploy for national security, often joining forces with the country’s security cluster to preserve the rule of law for the deep love of this realm,” the King said.
He, however, challenged correctional officers to protect the reputation of the service by conducting themselves appropriately both while on duty and during their off-days.
“Correctional officers are renowned for exemplary conduct. Therefore, we encourage you to uphold this tradition by desisting from actions prohibited by governing regulations both on duty and during your off-days,” he said.
His Majesty stressed that correctional officers should regard themselves as representatives of the institution at all times, regardless of whether they are officially on duty.
“Remember you are a correctional officer 24/7,” he said.
His Majesty acknowledged the difficult circumstances under which correctional officers sometimes perform their duties, noting that they are frequently required to operate under extreme conditions.
“The nation is behind you at all times as you do your daily duties. We are aware that sometimes you are called to work under extremely difficult conditions and you have executed your operations without fail,” he said.
He expressed appreciation for the determination displayed by correctional officers in serving the country despite the challenges they encounter.
“Your determination to serve the nation is highly appreciated,” His Majesty said.
The King also highlighted the importance of rehabilitation, noting that many inmates had acquired skills during their time in correctional facilities that could contribute to their welfare once they were released.
“It is pleasing to note that many of the people you are rehabilitating here have acquired different skills that contribute to their welfare after leaving the facility,” he said.
He said rehabilitation remained an important component of the correctional system, particularly in ensuring that former inmates could return to their communities with skills and opportunities that would help them build productive lives.
His Majesty further welcomed the support provided by stakeholders, development partners and communities working with Correctional Services to strengthen rehabilitation and reintegration efforts.
He said these partnerships were helping create a “seamless reform continuum” rooted in justice, with the ultimate objectives of reintegrating ex-convicts into society and reducing recidivism.
The King also commended the department for investing in the professional development of its personnel through training programmes conducted both locally and abroad.
He noted that a large contingent of staff had received training aimed at strengthening institutional capacity while also expanding the service’s advanced digitalisation capabilities.
“In the spirit of continued progress, it is encouraging to note that a large contingent of staff has been trained locally and abroad to develop capacity and expand advanced digitalisation capabilities,” he said.
His Majesty also acknowledged the vital support received from stakeholders, partners and communities, saying their collaboration was essential to sustaining reforms within the correctional system.
Meanwhile, the King assured correctional officers that the government was doing everything possible to improve the environment in which they work.
“The government is doing everything possible to improve the environment you are working under,” he said.
