The Deputy Minister of Justice and Correctional Services, Nkosi Phathekile Holomisa, officially launched the security training programme for female officials working in maximum correctional centres. The purpose of this training is to improve the physical condition and self-defence skills of female officials. This historic launch took place on 22 October 2021, at Kroonstad Training College, Free State and Northern Cape (FS/NC) region. A total of 60 female officials working in maximum correctional centres, with 10 from each of the 6 regions completed the intensive three-week security training.
This training programme was initiated following unfortunate separate incidents that occurred in DCS correctional centres, where two female officials were brutally murdered by inmates whilst on duty. In 2019, a female official, Ms Nomsa Stuurman was murdered by an offender at Goedemoed Correctional Centre. Recently, Ms Eunice Moloko was also murdered by an inmate at Leeuwkop Correctional Centre in August this year. Both these incidents prompted the department to take bold steps and initiate a training that will safeguard the welfare of female officials. This security training will capacitate female officials working in correctional centres to deal with any violent attacks.
Nkosi Holomisa encouraged the female trainees to continue with the programme, and share what they have learned with their fellow officials when they return to their respective correctional centres. He was also pleased to learn that the Security Training Programme incorporated modules on the Code of Conduct, Gang Combating Strategy, Ethics, Prevention of Fraud and Corruption to mention a few. He stated that these modules will strengthen the Department’s ultimate goal to instil discipline amongst officials, and serve as a deterrent against corruption. “It is important to instil a new culture of discipline and accountability in all officials at all levels,” said Nkosi Holomisa.
The acting National Commissioner, Makgothi Thobakgale, applauded all the female officials for the discipline, dedication and determination they displayed throughout the rigorous programme, and for completing it without a single drop-out. He also acknowledged the Chief Deputy Commissioner (CDC): Human Resources, Cynthia Ramulifho and her team for initiating this ground-breaking security programme. He also directed that the security training programme be extended to all DCS custodial officials.
CDC Ramulifho thanked the Deputy Minister Phathekile Holomisa for his continued support and the persistence to ensure that programmes of this nature that are aimed at empowering women, are implemented. Speaking on behalf of the trainees, Sesethu Hermans from St Albans Management Area, expressed a message of gratitude to the department for ensuring the successful implementation of the training programme. “We are mentally stronger, physically fitter and very well prepared to defend ourselves,” said Hermans.
The Security Training Programme launch ended with an award ceremony, where regions and trainees were awarded with certificates of completion. The FS/NC region, represented by Regional Commissioner, Subashini Moodley was awarded the over-all best performing region (Self-Defence Training and Security Training).