In celebration of 20 years at Correctional Services

Excitement looms as officials from different regions unite to celebrate their notable years of service.

Officials from Witbank, Barberton, Zonderwater and Gauteng regional offices went to the countryside for a weekend in celebration of 20 years with the department.

The officials are the second group of 1998 who underwent training at Zonderwater College in a quest to become ideal correctional officials.

It was time for celebration for the group of officials from the Department of Correctional Services who celebrated their 20 years of being with the department. They celebrated in cutting a cake and went on an outing to different places. (Photo sent)

Two decades later these officials are still dedicated and loyal members of the department. The event presented moments of deep reflection as they reminisced on their journey as part of the celebration. They had a candlelight ceremony in remembrance of the group members who lost their lives before they could reach 20 years in the department.

Lindiwe Mabena was ecstatic to be part of the team,

“Turning 20 years in the department to me means that I have reached a milestone, as it wasn’t easy working in a male dominated environment. As a person the department provided me with a platform to manoeuvre and make and correct my mistakes without being judged or charged. The Lindiwe that I am today is because of DCS.”

A group of officials from the Department of Correctional Services who celebrated their 20 years of being with the department. They went on an outing to different places and the officials are from Witbank, Barberton, Zonderwater and Gauteng regional offices. (Photo sent)

The officials started planning for this event in November 2017 and have been saving money to ensure that it is a success. The venue choice was solely due to their desire to explore the natural wonders of South Africa. They toured places such as the Sabie Falls, the Lone Creek and Potholes during their weekend.

To add flavour to the experience, they all agreed on themes for each day and outing; semi casual on active days and elegant for exotic dinners. This represented oneness and harmony, the same attitude they had two decades ago, has matured and enabled them to maintain good working relationships.

An outing for a group of officials from the Department of Correctional Services from Witbank, Barberton, Zonderwater and Gauteng regional offices who celebrated their 20 years of being with the department. (Photo sent)

Although there are challenges in the department, officials who continuously develop themselves are sure to reap the rewards. Mandla Gwambe, one of the organisers indicated that remaining positive and grounded at all times will take one to greater heights and he stated how grateful he was that the department has always created opportunities for growth.

“Life is indeed too short so one should focus on the positive things,” he said.

Much has been achieved from the day they graduated from the training college, some have founded families, some are now managers and supervisors but most importantly all have given the best years of their youth to the department.

Even that being said, their zeal and enthusiasm to achieve better grows ceaselessly.