National Commissioner (NC) of the Department of Correctional Services (DCS), Mr Makgothi Thobakgale visited the Mangaung Operational Hub in Grootvlei, Free State Province, on 10 July 2026 to assess the state of readiness and progress recorded for DCS to assume management of the public-private partnership (PPP) Mangaung Correctional Centre (MCC) come 1 July 2026.
“This visit is basically meant to take stock of how far we are in the process of assuming management of MCC,” NC Thobakgale said.
The two-phased visit kicked off with a walk-about to the operational hub at Grootvlei Management Area Mess Hall where DCS officials are assiduously working to ensure the smooth transition of MCC from private hands into the state fold.
Highly impressed with the potency, dedication and service excellence these officials display as they do their work, NC Thobakgale’s visit was aimed to encourage them to continue doing what they do best. He sung praises for a job well done and commended them for staying the course, despite all challenges they may have encountered.
“We acknowledge the work that you do. What is critically important is the fact that you are now part of history, since DCS has never taken up management of a privately-run correctional facility before. We now have boots on the ground and that’s what excites me, but be mindful of the fact that you are now the subjects of interest due to the work you do. We truly appreciate you, continue doing the good work, we count on you,” said the NC.
The second phase of the visit was characterized by formal engagements where a comprehensive presentation of the action plan was made. This action plan reflected and showed progress of the work being done by each of the established workstreams. The said workstreams included, but are not limited to, Human Resource Management and Development, Finance and Supply Chain, Information Technology, Communication, Rehabilitation and Incarceration and Corrections.
NC Thobakgale was equally overly impressed with strides made and key milestones recorded on the action plan. Officials seized with the responsibility to lay the ground for DCS as they gear towards management of MCC are in full steam to ensure the Department is ready for this transition.
“Thank you for the engagement; it is clear that we are ready to manage MCC. Our picture is becoming less foggy as we move along. The Portfolio Committee on Correctional Services had its own concerns especially on matters pertaining recruitment and our timelines, but I feel confident and encouraged by the work done by those officials dealing with recruitment processes.
“Having been here myself, I can confirm that work is being done 24/7 and the plan we put in place is in progress. We are on the count down to 1 July and are confident that we will ultimately have MCC under the management of DCS come the day of the conclusion of the concession contract,” the NC concluded.