In partnership with Assupol, the Department of Correctional Services (DCS) hosted an event dedicated at empowering and celebrating DCS female senior managers. The session saw the department’s female officials in leadership roles, convene at the Assupol Headquarters, on Friday, 29 October 2021, in Pretoria. Through strong partnerships enjoyed by DCS and Assupol, the senior managers got to drink from a fountain of experts on issues believed to be the contributing factors to some of the challenges they are facing, at work and also in their personal development.
This year, South Africa celebrated Women’s Month under the theme “The year of Charlotte Mannya-Maxeke: realizing women’s equalities”. These celebrations have been, and continue to be marked throughout South Africa by many organisations. DCS has also been active in commemorating and advocating for the improvement on the quality of life for women.
Advocate Sam Ramkissoon presented on marital regimes, Clinical Psychologist, Dr Kgadi Thobejane spoke more on the importance of managing mental awareness in the work place. Assupol’ Financial Advisor, Ms Sthembile Ndebele gave a detailed presentation on financial management outlining financial products women must consider having. Amongst others includes estate planning and retirement options. The environment which DCS operates poses more challenges such as violent attacks on vulnerable women entrusted with safeguarding the lives of those who have wronged the society. Therefore, it is very imperative that female officials, including senior managers are given support from all angles in order to combat certain unwanted ill-behaviours.
During the session, Chief Deputy Commissioner (CDC): Human Resources, Cynthia Ramulifho lambasted the killing of female officials, who met their untimely death in the hands of offenders, citing the ruthless killings of Nomsa Stuurman and Eunice Moloko. Ramulifho commended female officials for the work they do, even under challenging circumstances. She encouraged them to soldier on, be united and remain strong. ’’Correctional Centers are the sharp end of our criminal justice system. Let us deal with the issues of women and use the powers invested in us to create a better and safe environment in out correctional centers” added Ramulifho.
Furthermore, she envisages a continued efforts and activities by the department to celebrate and honour women who dedicate their lives for safeguarding correctional centers .She also advised that if more exertion is placed on the career development of the women in brown. She also believes that if career development can be prioritized, certain challenges such as the advancement of more female officials into senior managerial posts can be achieved.
Advocate Sam Ramkissoon outlined the types of marriage regimes recognized by the South African law and their financial implications. Advocate Ramkisson stressed for women to understand how their pension funds affects the type of marriage they choose.
Managers in attendance were further encouraged to work tirelessly to eliminate shameful conducts by some of the female officials in DCS who use their feminity to be rewarded with money while promoting offenders’ ill-behaviors. ‘’Let us put a stop to this ugly “Vula -Vala “desperation of women who show their private parts to offenders in exchange of money. Let us keep in mind that an offender remains an offender while at our care. We must root out this wrong culture and ensure that we live within our means,’’lambasted Ramulifho.
The celebratory event was also used as a platform to honour and recognize hardworking women in DCS. Ramulifho highlighted the achievements of the Regional Commissioner, Free State & Northern Cape, Subashini Moodley, who recently scooped an award at the National Security Training, on 22 October 2021, at Kroonstad Training College. The award was for over-all best performing region (Self-Defence Training and Security Training. Gauteng Regional Commissioner, Thakane Molatedi who is soon to retire was afforded a befitting farewell by CDC Ramulifho and her counterparts for serving loyally the department for years.