Zonderwater Correctional Services proudly commemorated its 30-year milestone service with a grand celebration, highlighting decades of dedication, progress, and community impact by officials.
The event was held on August 2 and was attended by current employees, former officials, and community members.
The ceremony opened with an emotional moment of silence for all Zonderwater correctional officials and legends who lost their lives in the line of duty.
Josias Mokobane, Zonderwater Correctional Services acting area commissioner, said that it is crucial to recognise the legacy of these legends including two female officials with almost 36 years of service.
This after they joined the department when it was not fashionable for women to be in a male-dominated environment.
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Happy to celebrate their achievement with peers this Women’s Month, the two “Imbokoto’s” long commitment follow those who will be hanging the DCS jacket after an uninterrupted and solid 40 years of devoted service.
Mokobane added that some of the skills which officials imparted to offenders include cooking, sewing, woodworking, tailoring, motor mechanics, electrical work, and plant and animal production.
The offenders continue to share these skills with their communities upon release, promoting positive reintegration. Mokobane pleaded with those staying behind to emulate the one exiting the department.
“Please follow on the tracks of ‘die ou lagawaan’ (referring to the legends) as they have vast experience,” said Mokobane.
Patrick Monyakeni and Lucas Cronje, whose farewell honoured serving 30 and 36 years respectively within the department, shared their bittersweet experiences within DCS ranks, including protecting the lives of offenders and also facing terrible incidents that happened in the past.
“I remember the difficult times when preventing an offender from escaping from custody. It was not easy but I put the lives of the community first by possibly re-arresting him,” recalled Monyakeni.
The duo’s stories highlighted the dedication and bravery required in their roles and the impact their efforts have had on community safety.
After all, they were happy looking forward to waking up and spending time with their families. As the event drew to a close, the officials were not only filled with much appreciation and pride but also hoped their legacy of excellence, discipline, and service would continue to inspire and guide the department in the years to come.
Their expertise will continue to aid the rehabilitation and reintegration of offenders, ultimately benefiting the community by reducing recidivism and promoting public safety.
Mokobane appealed to former correctional officials to advocate for ex-offenders, probationers, and parolees in creating job opportunities and also successfully re-integrating them back into society.
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