MANZINI – His Majesty King Mswati III has praised Eswatini’s correctional rehabilitation programme for attaining high standards that have attracted international recognition.
Ingwenyama said some countries have expressed interest in partnering with the kingdom to learn from its offender rehabilitation model.
Speaking during the 18th Correctional Services Day celebrations held in Matsapha yesterday, His Majesty said the work being carried out by correctional officers is now being recognised beyond Eswatini’s borders because of the success achieved in transforming offenders and preparing them for reintegration into society.
The King said the work being undertaken by correctional officers had attracted attention beyond Eswatini’s borders, with other nations now looking at the country as a benchmark for effective offender rehabilitation.
“Your work is recognised even beyond the borders of Eswatini. The way you rehabilitate offenders has attracted international attention. Some countries have expressed interest in partnering with us because of the high standards we have achieved in offender rehabilitation,” said the King.
His Majesty said the growing international recognition was evidence of the commitment, professionalism and dedication demonstrated by correctional officers in carrying out their responsibilities. The King noted that correctional institutions had evolved from being centres of confinement to becoming facilities focused on behaviour change, skills development and personal transformation. He said offenders were being equipped with practical and vocational skills that would allow them to earn sustainable livelihoods upon their release.
According to the King, training programmes in areas such as agriculture, construction and other vocational disciplines were helping offenders develop self-reliance and reducing the likelihood of reoffending. His Majesty revealed that during previous visits to correctional facilities, he had personally interacted with offenders who spoke positively about their experiences while serving their sentences.
The King said many offenders expressed appreciation for the humane and dignified treatment they received from correctional officers. “It was heartwarming for me to hear offenders say they were being corrected with love and care. This demonstrates the compassion that correctional officer’s show to those entrusted to their care,” he said.
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First female King’s interpreter Tandzile makes history
MANZINI – His Majesty King Mswati III has commended the strides being made towards gender inclusion after a woman became the first female interpreter to officiate at an event presided over by the King since his ascension to the throne 40 years ago.
The historic moment unfolded during the 18th Correctional Services Day celebrations held at the Correctional Staff College in Matsapha yesterday, where nurse and interpreter Tandzile Maziya was tasked with interpreting His Majesty’s address before thousands of attendees.
Maziya, a nurse based at Lomahasha and an interpreter at Zakhele Free Evangelical Assemblies in Manzini, became the first woman to undertake the role at an event officiated by the King, marking what many viewed as a significant milestone in promoting women’s participation in spaces traditionally dominated by men.
Recognising the achievement during his address, His Majesty praised the progress being made by women in assuming positions of responsibility and leadership across different sectors of society. The King noted that since his coronation four decades ago, it was the first time a woman had served as an interpreter during an event he presided over, describing the development as a positive sign of growing inclusivity and empowerment.
His remarks were met with loud cheers, applause and ululation from members of the public who had gathered for the celebrations, with many visibly welcoming the King’s recognition of women’s advancement.
The crowd’s enthusiastic response reflected the significance attached to the historic moment, as attendees celebrated what was seen as another step towards greater gender representation in national programmes.
*Full article available on Pressreader*
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