The west block wing of the Poyntons building’s open hallway was a hive of activity on Friday, 23 February 2024, as healthcare service providers of different specialities set up their stalls to offer their services to correctional officials stationed at the headquarters of the Department of Correctional Services (DCS). Acutely aware of the famous expression which says, ‘If you don’t care about your body, where are you going to live?’ correctional officials came out in droves and thronged the foyer to undergo a variety of health screenings from different specialists. Also present were financial service providers to coach officials on financial wellness.
Acting Deputy Commissioner: Integrated Employee Health and Wellness, Thabo Mokhele mentioned that plans are at an advanced stage to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with Planet Fitness and Virgin Active gyms, which will benefit DCS officials through generous discounts when they sign up with the gyms. He added that the Department, through the Chief Directorate: Integrated Employee Health and Wellness, offers an assortment of tailored services and programmes which are geared toward promoting employee wellness and creating a conducive working environment for employees to thrive.
The Head Office Employee Health and Wellness Day was also combined with the Head Office Weight Loss Challenge official announcement, where the top 3 male and female winners were acknowledged for demonstrating outstanding dedication and achieving remarkable results.
Mokhele recognised the impressive feat of the winners and encouraged all DCS officials to emulate them by signing up for the upcoming Weight Loss Challenge and by participating in various sporting activities. “To each and every participant, I extend my heartfelt gratitude for your dedication, perseverance, and unwavering support. You have not only transformed your own lives but have also inspired others to do the same,” he said.
The results of the Weight Loss Challenge are as follows:
