By Stephina Khunwane
“Empowered women empower the nation” – a philosophy that Ms Reneilwe Kgwale, Deputy Director: Offender Reintegration, embodies daily as she drives economic empowerment for offenders, parolees, probationers, and victims of crime.
Kgwale, who hails from Lebowakgomo in Limpopo, is passionate about Community Corrections and believes successful reintegration cannot be achieved by the Department alone. It requires communities and stakeholders working together.
She collaborates closely with communities, Traditional Councils, Ward Councillors and other key stakeholders to strengthen support for offenders, parolees and probationers as they transition back into society as responsible citizens.
A Career Rooted in Service
Kgwale joined the Department of Correctional Services (DCS) in 1999 after completing basic training at Emthonjeni Training College in Baviaanspoort Management Area – a once‑off intake at Emthonjeni during a mass recruitment drive that year. She spent 15 years at Polokwane Correctional Centre, working in various sections including Human Resources, Employee Relations, and Community Corrections.
Her career progressed steadily from Head of Community Liaison in 2014 to Assistant Director and head of Modimolle Community Corrections in 2023. In 2025, she was appointed Deputy Director: Reintegration at Head Office, a role she currently occupies.
A Commitment to Learning
Kgwale’s qualifications reflect her dedication to professional growth:
- National Diploma in Marketing, Vaal Triangle Technikon (Vaal University of Technology)
- Diploma in Life Coaching, Academy of York
- National Diploma in Security Risk, UNISA
- Advanced Diploma in Management, STADIO
Short courses include DCS Basic Training, Human Rights, Unit Management, Industrial Relations (SAMDI), PSIRA Security grades B–E, UNODC Nelson Mandela Rules, NSG Ethics in the Public Service, and NSG Public Service Reorientation for Managers.
Bridging Skills and Opportunities
Kgwale’s daily responsibilities include monitoring the labour market to identify economic opportunities suitable for parolees and probationers. She works with businesses, organisations and other stakeholders to build partnerships that support skills development, employment, entrepreneurship and other opportunities.
Her focus is on linking the skills and abilities of parolees and probationers with opportunities available in their communities.
“The Department seeks to ensure that skills development responds to actual economic opportunities and labour-market needs, rather than providing training without a pathway towards employment or self-employment,” she said.
Kgwale’s contribution assists the Department in realising its mandate: rehabilitating offenders, giving them a second chance, and ensuring they are successfully reintegrated into society as law-abiding citizens who contribute to the country’s economy.