Prayer resounds through Zonderwater

Zonderwater area management recently had an inspirational year-opening prayer service for officials in the Zonderwater recreational hall.

The prayer service recognised spiritual motivation as the cornerstone of productive employee engagement in the correctional service.

Against the backdrop of sharing God’s common goal through prayer, officials, community church leaders, including those with a daily routine in the centres, formed part of the congregation to renew commitments to excellence and spiritual growth.

After acknowledging the attendees, John Lempe, the chaplain at Zonderwater Management Area, hinted at the day’s overarching purpose – to elevate the morals and ethics of officials.

Lempe clarified the constant spiritual challenges encountered by officials in correctional centres.

“Officials depart from their families for duty, with the hope of returning home at the end of their shifts, but sadly, not all do,” he remarked solemnly.

He said it is in recognition of these encounters that the spiritual care office thoughtfully selected the theme for the ceremony: ‘A spiritually motivated official is a productive official’.

The hall was filled with devotees committed to praying for the acting area commissioner and his executive, officials and their families, the spirit of healing, excellence, the spirit of rehabilitation, and the absence of recidivism by offenders, among others.

Several pastors echoed Biblical sentiments by inviting peace and harmony into the hearts of officials to curb their spiritual morals for good purposes.

Pastor Mofokeng, known as Dr Maria Jacobs, said during the prayer, “We are inviting the Mighty God to help and protect correctional officials when they execute their duties. May the Lord have mercy on them.”

Linda Ratlhagane, who shared the stage with Zonderwater’s choir in showering the house with worship melody said they, as officials, needed God’s intervention.

“We work in a traumatic environment and need to pray throughout the year,” said Ratlhagane.

Although Tivani Makasane, the Zonderwater acting area commissioner, accepted the responsibility of accounting for the safekeeping of offenders, he believes officials who are well motivated are more productive in their daily obligations.

“It is also my job to ensure you are regularly motivated as correctional officials,” said Makasane.

He appreciated and valued the efforts of officials when executing their work.

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