The National Commissioner (NC) of the Department of Correctional Services (DCS), Makgothi Thobakgale participated in the Moletsi Half Marathon on 23 November 2024 at Leokama village, outside Polokwane.
The Mmakgoshi Mmanare Foundation, the brain behind the marathon, says that its aim is to transform the nation by promoting and supporting educational initiatives that develop the community and assist to remove the youth from the streets. Officials from Tzaneen and Polokwane Correctional Centres also participated in the marathon which comprised of three categories ranging from 5, 10, and 21-kilometre distances.
The NC participated in the 5km category, joined by Limpopo Mpumalanga, North West (LMN) Regional Commissioner, Tlabo Thokolo who ran the 21km race. The executives were joined by a horde of enthusiastic runners from Polokwane Management Area.
Discussing the importance of forging beneficial stakeholder relationships, NC Thobakgale said, “When you look around, there are various stakeholders such as MECs, Mayors from various municipal districts in Limpopo, Traditional leaders and others; who all contribute to the common goals of government, hence we need to participate in these kind of events”.
He further said that when DCS release parolees, they are accommodated in those municipal districts hence it is critical to form good working relationships with stakeholders. “This initiative is meant to keep youth away from engaging in wrong things, which works to our advantage because it contributes to the reduction of overcrowding in our facilities, hence we need to support them,” he stated.
He further indicated that participation in sporting codes boosts wellness and fitness of all involved, especially DCS officials who work under demanding conditions.
After the marathon, the NC met with DCS athletes and encouraged them to continue to participate in different sporting activities. “The kind of job we do on daily basis is physically demanding and can involve restraining inmates, requiring officials to respond to situations quickly and safely. Make time for exercise by scheduling it into your daily routine. We must be sober minded and we must always be fit so that we can execute our duties with aplomb,” said the Commissioner.
His Majesty, Kgoshi Kgabo Moloto III of the nation of Bahlaloga Royal House and Mmakgoshi Mmanare Foundation thanked the National Commissioner for taking time out and availing himself despite his busy schedule. He also expressed his gratitude to other stakeholders who participated in the race and made the marathon a success.
