Mashamba visits Middelburg Centre of Excellence unannounced
As part of his journey, the acting DRC visited the male and female sections where he addressed offenders after his official discourse to members
Inmates and officials at Middelburg Centre of Excellence were greeted by the surprise visit of the acting Deputy Regional Commissioner (DRC) at Correctional Services for Limpopo, Mpumalanga and North West Region.
The visit by Mr Takalani Mashamba was on Monday morning, January 6. Mr Mashamba spontaneously visited the centre for a number of reasons.
As part of his journey, the acting DRC visited the male and female sections where he addressed offenders after his official discourse to members.
This is to motivate and give direction as the apex leadership.
Management from the centre walked with the acting DRC through the centre and constantly gave information as he enquired.
“The objective of my visit was firstly to give support to officials. Considering that there are officials who were working relentlessly throughout the festive season ensuring that our country is safe and that no escapes occur, we need to support them, recognise their dedication and appreciate them for their hard work,” he said.
Secondly, Mr Mashamba added that officials needed to be monitored constantly for performance.
He emphasised on the importance of compliance and ensuring that officials know and perform their duties precisely.
Mr Mashamba also accentuated the fact that his visit is not extraordinary, “Even the head office conducts impromptu visits from time to time giving special attention to the smaller centres,” he said, while adding that this was because smaller tend to be overshadowed by the larger centres.
The acting DRC did acknowledge the challenges faced by the department and mentioned that as part of his visit, he took notes of complaints from officials and the obstacles which hinder performance in centres.
These are then given to area commissioners of the particular centres for action plans to address the matters which affect officials.
Finally, Mashamba indicated that the department has improvement plans for this year which include, reducing escapes to nil, ensuring that offender injuries and violence are decreased; infrastructure is improved as well as office furniture for officials.
He ascertained that apex leadership would ensure that all action plans are carried out to address the challenges.
Mr Mashamba also visited Witbank Correctional Centre on the day to give feedback to Witbank Management Area, Area Commissioner Reverend Mandla Sibanyoni.
