Officers-in-Charge of His Majesty’s Correctional Services (HMCS) have pledged unwavering support towards the proper, effective and continuous administration of correctional centres in the country.
The pledge was made as a 12-member delegation prepares to travel to Zambia for a SADC Peer-to-Peer Interaction workshop on Saturday.
The delegation was dispatched by the Commissioner General of His Majesty’s Correctional Services, LaMakhosini Phindile Dlamini. 
Dlamini called on the team to use the regional engagement to gain practical knowledge, exchange experiences and return with lessons that can contribute meaningfully to strengthening correctional-centre administration in the Kingdom.
She said the workshop provides a strategic opportunity for officers to learn from regional counterparts, benchmark good practices and apply relevant lessons to improve institutional efficiency, discipline and service delivery within HMCS.
Dlamini emphasised that continuous professional development is critical for effective correctional management and urged the delegation to represent the Service with professionalism and dedication.
The Head of Delegation, Assistant Commissioner Jabulani Kunene, said the workshop is an important platform for strengthening leadership in correctional management.
Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Kunene highlighted the importance of strong and principled leadership, particularly for officers entrusted with the responsibility of running correctional centres.
He said Officers-in-Charge must understand that leadership is not simply about holding a position but about setting the standard, inspiring confidence and becoming role models to those they lead.
Kunene said officers entrusted with running correctional centres carry the responsibility of maintaining discipline, ensuring the welfare of officers and inmates, and upholding professional standards in line with the mandate of the Service.
He noted that the effectiveness of any correctional institution depends largely on the quality of leadership at the top, adding that Officers-in-Charge must demonstrate integrity, accountability and commitment in their daily duties.
Kunene challenged the delegation to return from Zambia as better leaders, equipped with knowledge that can be translated into practical improvements within their respective institutions.
“We must go there to learn, to share experiences and to bring back knowledge that will benefit the Service. When we return, our officers must see the difference in us,” Kunene said.
He said a good leader must be firm, fair, disciplined and consistent in the execution of duties, adding that Officers-in-Charge cannot demand excellence from their teams without demonstrating it themselves.
Kunene emphasised that discipline, fairness and consistency are the hallmarks of credible leadership and that officers must lead by example in upholding the values and standards of His Majesty’s Correctional Services.
He said the delegation is committed to making the Zambian engagement more than just a regional workshop, but an opportunity for professional growth, knowledge exchange and renewed commitment to leadership and service.
Kunene said the team has pledged to fully participate in the workshop, contribute meaningfully to discussions and ensure that lessons learnt are shared and implemented upon return.
According to HMCS, the SADC Peer-to-Peer workshop brings together correctional officers from member states to share best practices on correctional administration, rehabilitation and institutional management.
The workshop will cover issues relating to leadership, security, rehabilitation programmes, welfare of inmates and officers, and strategies for improving correctional systems in line with international standards.
It is also expected to enhance regional cooperation and harmonisation of correctional practices, while strengthening networks among SADC correctional services.
