Correctional services department woos media at press briefing
Regional Commissioner of KZN Department of Correctional Services Mnikelwa Nxele, called a press briefing to address allegations of maladministration and mismanagement in the department.
A press briefing held by the Department of Correctional Services at the Westville prison in an effort to quell rumours of mismanagement saw the management of the province’s prisons arrive more than two hours late.
This led to some media representatives leaving without getting comment because of other commitments.
The briefing follows numerous articles in various newspapers about allegations of maladministration and mismanagement in this department.
Regional Commissioner of KZN Department of Correctional Services, Mnikelwa Nxele apologised to the media house and the management for arriving late.
Nxele said they was very disturbed about the allegations about him and the department that were published in the papers.
“We have always maintained a good sound relationship with the media, but we were very shocked to see all the reports that were written in the papers.
“Not even one publication called us to get a comment from us,” he said.
Nxele was responding to allegations which stated that he owed the department a huge telephone bill. The reports also claimed that he hired and promoted his friends and relatives.
Reports also stated that Nxele fired one of the staff members because he knew about all his scheming and dealings.
Defending himself, Nxele said he feels that these allegations are tarnishing his reputation and also the department.
“I have been the Regional Commissioner for six years and we have tried to transform the prisons with projects that assist the prisoners to better themselves. Yes there are challenges such as overcrowding, but there is not much we can do because of the economy.
“The telephone bill in question is from 10 years ago, why was it not raised all this time? With allegations that I hire friends and relatives, that is not true. We all have families but not one of them works in the Correctional Services Department.
“The man that the reports said I fired was absent from work for 60 days without any sick note and he did not sign any leave. It is the law to terminates one’s contract after not hearing from them for 30 days,” he said
Nxele pleaded with media houses to work together with the department and maintain a good relationship.
