Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini has applauded all ranks within His Majesty’s Correctional Services (HMCS) for their dedication and professionalism in building a correctional system that prioritises rehabilitation while maintaining humane standards of care.
The prime minister made these remarks during the 18th HMCS Day celebration held at the Matsapha Correctional Staff College, where correctional officers, government officials and stakeholders gathered to reflect on the institution’s achievements and future direction.
Addressing attendees, the PM praised the officers for their unwavering commitment to transforming the country’s correctional system from one focused solely on incarceration to one centred on rehabilitation and reintegration.
“It is particularly gratifying to observe the notable progress achieved in the provision of psychosocial support services, vocational skills training, as well as cultural and sporting programmes for offenders,” said the prime minister.
He noted that these programmes play a critical role in fostering positive behavioural change among offenders, while equipping them with skills and opportunities necessary for successful reintegration into society.
According to the PM, the initiatives are helping to develop law-abiding and productive citizens, thereby contributing to the maintenance of peace, social stability and public safety across the country.
The prime minister further described the shift from a traditional custodial system to a modern rehabilitation-oriented correctional model as a landmark achievement in the history of HMCS.
“This progressive transformation affirms the principle that every offender should be afforded a meaningful opportunity for rehabilitation and a second chance to become a constructive member of society,” he said.
Despite the progress made, Dlamini acknowledged that correctional institutions around the world continue to face increasingly complex challenges, including growing inmate populations, changing security risks and the diverse needs of offenders in custody.
“These dynamics place considerable pressure on institutional capacity and service delivery systems,” he said.
In response to these challenges, the prime minister reaffirmed government’s commitment to strengthening and supporting HMCS to ensure the continued delivery of efficient, sustainable and humane correctional services.
He said His Majesty’s Government remains dedicated to ensuring that correctional services operate in full compliance with the laws of the kingdom and international obligations, while continuing to advance rehabilitation programmes that promote lasting social transformation.
