In an effort to address social ills, tremendous mental health, emotional strains, professional obstacles, personal problems to its staff, the Department of Correctional Services(DCS) together with its counterparts in the security cluster, South African Police Service (SAPS) and South African National Defence Force (SANDF) jointly converged for ‘Imvuselelo’, a spiritual revival gathering as part of debriefing session to officials and pray for a safer 2024 festive season at Kgoši Mampuru II Management Area in Pretoria on 21 November 2024.
Imvuselelo is an isiZulu word which loosely means revival or renewal. This restoration gathering was hosted under the theme “DCS striving towards a spiritually and morally developed workforce”.
The highly spirited and packed to capacity prayer session was mesmerised by DCS choir, South African Air Force Choir accompanied by gospel artists, Ntokozo Mtambo, Dumi Mayoli, Tintswalo Luke and Reverend Jonas Masotla.
A number of faith and non-government organisations which amongst other include Bill Winston Ministries Africa, Umlilo Wevangeli, Radio Pulpit and Moral Regeneration Movement came on board to ensure that the quarterly prayer service becomes a success.
Delivering a keynote address on behalf of National Commissioner, Makgothi Thobakgale, Chief Deputy Commissioner for Incarceration and Corrections, Anna Molepo alluded that “DCS regards the spirituality of officials as an important aspect of which without, officials can be ineffective. “The spirituality of a DCS officials is evident in the aspect of protecting communities and helping others in a dignified manner, CDC Molepo said.
Preaching the word of the day, renowned Bishop, Mosa Sono from Grace Bible Church, mainly focused on utilising gifts accordingly and good leadership from the book of Romans 12:8 which talks about leading with diligence.
“When leaders lead well everybody wins and things work out well,” echoed Bishop Sono. Reflecting on his sermon, Bishop Sono said “this partnership offers a multi-disciplinary approach; people with different skills and abilities to come on board to give another perspective”.
It is true “laughter is the best medicine”. Comedian Oscar Omuhle left officials in stitches with his clean funny gospel jokes.
Dumi Mayoli mentioned that it was such a privilege for him to grace the stage again and added that he is looking forwards to the next installation of Imvuselelo. Centre based officials from Kgoši Mampuru Management Area stated that this session is impactful as they work under unpredictable conditions with inmates inside the facilities.
“As a newbie in the department I really enjoyed the service and artists who performed sang beautifully” said Azola Mthobela, Remand Detention intern.
Lekaba Brenda from Administration and Utilisation remarked that “this worship service makes space for people to have an encounter with the Lord. A time when employees can focus their attention on what the Lord is doing in them, around them and what He is saying to them right here, right now.