The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) ushered in a new phase of strategic partnerships and employee empowerment when National Commissioner (NC), Mr Makgothi Thobakgale unveiled a bold vision for the department’s Facilities Fund on Wednesday, 5 November 2025, at the Protea Hotel Hatfield.
In a compelling address to executives from the financial services, medical aid, and sports sectors, the National Commissioner outlined a progressive strategy to expand the Fund’s reach and impact. With plans to recruit 11,000 new staff over the next five years, adding to the current 36,000 permanent employees, DCS aims to leverage investments that deliver sustainable, long-term benefits for its workforce.
A key focus, he said, is supporting employees – both new recruits and long-serving officials, to make informed financial decisions, particularly as the government explores early-retirement packages.
“We want you to partner with us to ensure that when our dedicated members leave, they do not embark on a lonely financial journey,” said NC Thobakgale. “Their decisions affect entire families.”
The National Commissioner further highlighted a historic governance milestone – the election of member representatives to the Board of Trustees for the first time.
“This marks a pivotal shift in the transformation of how the Fund’s affairs are managed,” he affirmed.
Established to promote employee welfare and recreation, the Facilities Fund has long enhanced amenities and supported wellbeing initiatives across correctional centres. Yet, NC Thobakgale emphasised plans to go even further:
“We are determined to expand the Fund’s impact and reach for our members. We hope to embark on this journey together with you as our partners.”
He underscored that institutions endure beyond individuals, and that the partnerships built today will shape the future of the Department.
“While most of you here represent the financial services sector, we share a common purpose—to define our existence by what we build for tomorrow. The decisions we make must strengthen South Africa’s legacy and position our nation to claim its rightful place in the world,” he said.
In a poignant moment, NC Thobakgale reflected on his recent visit to two Pollsmoor officials who survived a near-fatal stabbing, reminding the audience of the risks correctional officials face daily.
“Our officials must be alert, agile, and capable. Their spiritual and physical well-being is the coalface of your work. When they are exposed to danger, we have a duty to pick up the pieces. This reality is why we are here.”
Symbolically, the NC wore a shirt produced by offenders in a Kenyan correctional facility, which he personally purchased. This gesture underscored DCS’s continental leadership as South Africa currently chairs the Association of Correctional Services in Africa (ACSA).
“Our work must extend beyond our borders,” he declared. “The shirt I wear is not just a product advertisement; it is a symbol of a collaborating continent.”
He also urged stakeholders to support DCS’ top athletes, who will represent the Department in national and international competitions, including the 2027 SADC Games in Zambia and the 27 For Freedom Race at the Drakenstein Management Area in the Western Cape.
During the engagement, DCS showcased the Facilities Fund’s robust R200 million-plus asset portfolio and its existing benefits, ranging from study loans and widow and orphan support to discounted holiday resorts.
Potential partners were invited to co-invest in infrastructure upgrades and to help develop customised retirement plans, affordable medical aid solutions, and mental health support programmes, among other tailored products.
The event concluded on a high note, with many stakeholders expressing strong interest and pledging to return with concrete partnership proposals. The engagement marked not only a turning point for the Facilities Fund but also a renewed commitment to the well-being and future prosperity of every DCS official.