King wants discipline, loyalty and honesty

He said this was their major obligations as an institution of corrections rather than keeping people who are in conflict with the law.

"It is gratifying to note that the Correctional Services institutions have become accessible to members of the public. We recall that in the olden days members of the public were avoiding prison facilities. You are expected to deal with hardened criminals, but you are expected to rehabilitate them so that they become responsible citizens. This is indeed a mammoth task and the nation is looking upon you to execute it diligently," he said.

He said the nation has entrusted these officers with the mission of making sure that they provide leadership and other acceptable societal norms to the offenders and they should do this with love and dignity.

"We are also pleased that besides taking care of offenders you also impact on them life skills that they can use after serving their sentences. I have been informed that the multiple skills you give them have helped them a lot. Some after leaving your institution have established meaningful income generating projects. I also appreciate the good work that is being done by the teachers as evidenced by the good results obtained by pupils last year.

"I commend the effort of the service to remove the stigma of being incarcerated from the children by allowing them to participate in programmes and activities done by their peers as seen in the recent school competitions where they performed exceptionally well," said the King.

He urged the community to join hands with the service in restoring moral family values to combat crime so that the number of children in conflict with the law is significantly reduced.

His Majesty mentioned three characteristics of Correctional Services officer and said they are discipline, loyalty and honesty.

"All disciplined forces are there to protect the nation, we expect same from you. Your duty requires sharp minds and depicting a good image for your organisa-tion and the security forces as a whole," he said.

Speaking about projects initiated by the institution, the King said he was happy the institution was becoming self sufficient in milk and meat production, hence saving government money.

"I urge you to consider sewing uniforms for the other sister forces, schools and organisations. I am happy to note that Correctional Services is embarking on production of its own bread," he said.

The King was presented with two cows and a portrait and the Indlovukazi with one cow and one goat.

The Green Mamba football team also gave the King a cow and two goats to the Indlovukazi in appreciation that he attended the 2012 SwaziBank Cup final where they lifted the trophy.

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