In a momentous development that will immensely revolutionize and improve training outcomes for trainee correctional officials, the Department of Correctional Services (DCS) took delivery of 516 learning tablets which were donated by the Safety and Security Sector Education and Training Authority (SASSETA). The handover ceremony held at the Royal Elephant Hotel and Conference Centre in Centurion, Gauteng on 22 November 2024, is a further endorsement of the positive benefits derived from an enduring and fruitful collaboration and partnership between DCS and SASSETA. The 516 electronic tablets will be used at the Zonderwater Training College.
Accepting the donation, DCS National Commissioner (NC), Makgothi Thobakgale said this magnanimous gesture is testament to the shared vision for the future of corrections and a strong commitment to equip aspiring correctional officials with the tools they need to excel.
He added that this generous donation provides the necessary impetus to the ongoing efforts to usher DCS into the digital transformation era, and to reposition the Department to play a pioneering role in shaping the future of corrections in South Africa and beyond.
“Today’s gesture goes a long way as we aim to build a modernized and professional Correctional Service that aligns with global best practices. In a world that is rapidly advancing, technology is no longer a luxury but a necessity. These tablets are not just devices, but they are a gateway to knowledge, innovation, and efficient service delivery. By placing them in our colleges, SASSETA is investing directly in the future of our Correctional Services and the safety of our communities,” remarked NC Thobakgale.
Echoing the sentiments of the National Commissioner, SASSETA Board Chairperson, Chris Mudau said this contribution goes beyond the implementation of learnership. “We are dedicated to creating a skilled workforce that can respond effectively to the evolving landscape in our country and the challenges of crime. The digital era and 4th industrial revolution have significantly transformed education in particular. It is our goal to ensure that all qualifications, learnerships and skills programmes are tailor made to incorporate changes required by the digital era,” added Mudau.
SASSETA is a skills development entity funded through the skills development levy. SASSETA Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Thamsanqa Mdontswa added that SASSETA is responsible for the reskilling and upskilling of workers and unemployed youth. “We are going to use these tablets to load training material which will assist the beneficiaries to be familiar with the use of technology in their daily lives and when performing their regular duties.
SASSETA Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Ikalafeng Diale added the icing on the cake by pledging another donation of 516 additional tablets to DCS, thus taking the total number of tablets to be donated to a whopping 1 032.