The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) National Commissioner, Mr Makgothi Thobakgale, visited the St Albans Management Area in the Eastern Cape Region on 20 October 2026 to assess compliance with the Department’s Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and reinforce discipline, punctuality, and operational preparedness among officials.
During the visit, the National Commissioner inspected the daily parades for shifts commencing at 06:00, 07:00 and 11:00, as well as the Medium A, Medium B and Maximum Correctional Centres.
He explained that the reintroduction of parades at every shift change in 2022 was aimed at strengthening institutional discipline, improving communication between outgoing and incoming shifts, and ensuring the effective reporting of incidents.
Reflecting on the findings, National Commissioner Thobakgale noted an improvement in punctuality among officials at St Albans.
“Yesterday, 19 October 2026, we observed a significant improvement, where out of the full complement, only two officials were late,” he said.
He nevertheless cautioned officials against arriving late, emphasising that punctuality is essential for effective shift handovers, proper briefings, and operational planning.
“There is uneven performance in terms of our officials arriving at work on time to be briefed about what happened during the previous shift and to plan together for the next shift. This is very important, especially for a security department like Correctional Services,” he said.
The National Commissioner stressed that discipline and preparedness are fundamental to the effective functioning of correctional facilities. He urged officials to take responsibility for their duties and ensure that they are ready to perform their functions from the beginning of each shift.
He also welcomed a group of learners completing their practicals at St Albans and encouraged them to uphold the Department’s standards and maintain a culture of professionalism.
“They must ensure that they do not pick up bad habits in the workplace. It starts with ensuring that they arrive on time, are part of the parade, wear their uniform properly and are ready for duty,” he said.
National Commissioner Thobakgale highlighted the important role of the new recruits in shaping the future of the Department, particularly in advancing the objectives of DCS Vision 2068.
“They are the future of Correctional Services. They are the ones who will determine the type of Correctional Services we have in the coming 50 years,” he said.
The visit also addressed the recent diarrhoeal outbreak at the St Albans Management Area, which was linked to a blockage in the sewage pipes. The National Commissioner assured stakeholders that measures had been implemented to contain the situation and prevent further spread.
“Our nurses are attending to the inmates. We have taken the water for testing, and other tests are being done. The situation has been contained from spreading further, and a contractor has arrived on site to sort out the blockage,” he said.
The response included medical attention for affected inmates, water testing and the appointment of a contractor to address the sewage blockage.
Concluding the visit, National Commissioner Thobakgale underscored the importance of direct engagement with officials and offenders as a means of understanding operational challenges and strengthening accountability across the Department.
“From the discussions that I have had with the staff, it has come out that it is important for myself as a National Commissioner to have a meeting with the full complement of the Regional Executive, the staff and offenders,” he said.
The oversight visit reaffirmed the importance of consistent adherence to operational procedures, punctuality, and effective communication in maintaining security and ensuring the smooth running of correctional facilities.