August marks Women’s Month in South Africa, a time to celebrate the resilience, courage and achievements of women who continue to make a meaningful impact in society. For Ms Kgaugelo Lebese of Kgoši Mampuru II Management Area in Gauteng Region, working in the Department of Correctional Services’ (DCS) Emergency Support Team (EST) is more than a career—it is a calling driven by passion, discipline and commitment.
The EST serves as the tactical response unit within the correctional system, responsible for conducting security raids, high-risk offender escorts and cell extractions. Operating in an environment traditionally dominated by men, EST officials are required to demonstrate courage, discipline and the ability to make critical decisions under pressure.
From Learnership to a Career in Corrections
At 32 years old, Ms Lebese, who was raised in Mamelodi, initially dreamed of becoming a traffic officer. Although her career path took a different direction, her determination to serve in the law enforcement sector remained strong.
She joined DCS in August 2015 through a learnership programme at Zonderwater Training Centre. Following her training, she was placed at the Local Remand Detention Centre on a six-month contract, where she was responsible for escorting and transferring remand detainees between correctional centres and facilitating their release to Community Corrections.
In 2017, she secured a permanent appointment as an Access Control Security Officer. Her duties included searching vehicles, verifying permits, registering service providers and state vehicles, and maintaining official access control registers.
Breaking Barriers in the Emergency Support Team
Ms Lebese’s commitment and potential were recognised by Mr Themba Maswanganyi, then Head of Emergency Support at Kgoši Mampuru II Management Area, who identified her as a suitable candidate to join the EST in February 2018.
She subsequently underwent specialised training to prepare her for the demanding responsibilities of the unit.
“What inspired me to join the EST was the perception that these duties could only be performed by male officials because women were considered incapable of dealing with high-risk and high-profile offenders,” said Ms Lebese.
Determined to challenge those stereotypes, she embraced the opportunity and has since established herself as a capable and respected member of the team.
Ms Lebese also acknowledges the influence of Advocate Patricia Masinga, Acting Deputy Director: Regional Head of Security, who has played a significant role in her personal and professional development.
“Advocate Masinga has been my role model, adviser and mentor. She has guided and supported me throughout my journey, and we celebrate my achievements together,” she said.
Investing in Professional Growth
Throughout her career, Ms Lebese has remained committed to continuous learning and professional development. Her qualifications and training include:
- N6 Certificate in Management Assistant – Tshwane North College
- National Diploma in Management Assistant – City of Tshwane Municipality (In-Service Training)
- NQF Level 4 in Corrections Science – Kroonstad Training College (2016)
- Emergency Support Team Training – Zonderwater Training Centre (2018)
- Train-the-Trainer: Security (Self-Defence) – Kroonstad Training College (2021)
- Emerging Management Development Programme – University of the Free State (2022–2023)
- Certificate in Ethics in the Public Service – National School of Government
Ms Lebese’s journey demonstrates that determination, courage and dedication can create opportunities beyond one’s original aspirations. Through her commitment to excellence and continuous self-improvement, she continues to make a valuable contribution to the safety and security of the correctional system while inspiring other women to pursue leadership roles in challenging environments.
As South Africa celebrates Women’s Month, her story stands as a powerful reminder that women continue to break barriers, redefine possibilities and lead with courage in every sphere of society.