Date: 02/12/2002
Source: Department of Correctional Services
Title: Skosana: Correctional Services management board
REMARKS MADE TO THE MANAGEMENT BOARD OF THE DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES BY MR BEN M SKOSANA MP, MINISTER OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES, Johannesburg, 2 December 2002
Commissioner
Colleagues
The close of the year 2002 is upon us and not that it should come as a surprise since the beginning of every year presumes the inevitable end. However, what is significant for us are the events that we preside over in our respective roles and what we have made of the 'Social Contract'.
As the department, we have on various occasions, on various platforms and fora given account of our mission. We have elaborately described our achievements. And, without equivocation, acknowledged our shortcomings and constraints. It is a fact that locked in the collegial process of co-decision making, co-planning and co-implementation, we have had to face our individual strengths and weaknesses. We had the opportunity to re-look our commitment to duty and good governance. In most accounts we have done remarkably well notwithstanding enormous constraints including negative perceptions and publicity. It is my fervent hope that we have learnt good lessons from this process.
It is true that some forces in life do go beyond human comprehension and control, which is a comforting thought to those who agree with the Shakespeare's world view of life - a stage where we are all actors struggling to make our roles nobler. President Mbeki appropriately likened this situation to that of being condemned to living in exciting times where you need to struggle constantly to make that life exciting and fulfilling not only for the few but for the many. (Another meaning of practical Democracy.). This is the South African dream that Correctional Services as the national crime and security institution continues to pursue with dexterity. It is therefore right and proper for me to extend my profound thanks and appreciation to each one of you for the work you have done and continue to do, the sacrifices you have made and continue to make. Your resolve to be associated with one of the most difficult of Government Departments deserves better recognition. What we did not or could not do was not because of lack of commitment on the part of some of us.
We have put our strategic plan in place, setting out clear objectives and the framework for implementation and evaluation. We have unashamedly shared our plan for the future with the Government and the South African people thus creating strong expectations. We have spoken about: -
* The security of inmates, members and the communities
* The well-being and development of inmates
* Professionalisation of the system
* The rehabilitation of offenders
* Over-population and subsidiary interventions
* The new-building programs
* Restorative Justice and Partnerships
* Rural development and poverty alleviation
* The fight against corruption and malpractices
* International obligations and Human Rights
* Restructuring and re-deployment
* Powers, functions and responsibilities
* The situation of women and children in prison
These are some of the profound matters that pose earnest challenges to the Minister, the Commissioner and the entire leadership of Correctional Services at all levels. In moving forward let us seriously heed the concerns of the poet, Langston Hughes, the author Shelby Steel and President Mbeki, not to defer the dream otherwise it will explode.
There is an African saying which goes: "Learn from the hornbill, the bird of unconquerable hope - no matter how bad the drought, no matter how desperate the famine, the hornbill always holds its beak high, its beak pointed towards a better tomorrow. Never be like a crow whose ugly beak points earthwards in pessimism - be ever like a hornbill my child".
In closing, I want to wish you and your families a joyous and peaceful festive season. In facing the challenges in the New Year, may you emulate the hornbill bird and make the next year prosperous and fulfilling for all around you.
May God bless you all!
Source: Department of Correctional Service (http://www.dcs.gov.za)
Source: Department of Correctional Services
Title: Skosana: Correctional Services management board
REMARKS MADE TO THE MANAGEMENT BOARD OF THE DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES BY MR BEN M SKOSANA MP, MINISTER OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES, Johannesburg, 2 December 2002
Commissioner
Colleagues
The close of the year 2002 is upon us and not that it should come as a surprise since the beginning of every year presumes the inevitable end. However, what is significant for us are the events that we preside over in our respective roles and what we have made of the 'Social Contract'.
As the department, we have on various occasions, on various platforms and fora given account of our mission. We have elaborately described our achievements. And, without equivocation, acknowledged our shortcomings and constraints. It is a fact that locked in the collegial process of co-decision making, co-planning and co-implementation, we have had to face our individual strengths and weaknesses. We had the opportunity to re-look our commitment to duty and good governance. In most accounts we have done remarkably well notwithstanding enormous constraints including negative perceptions and publicity. It is my fervent hope that we have learnt good lessons from this process.
It is true that some forces in life do go beyond human comprehension and control, which is a comforting thought to those who agree with the Shakespeare's world view of life - a stage where we are all actors struggling to make our roles nobler. President Mbeki appropriately likened this situation to that of being condemned to living in exciting times where you need to struggle constantly to make that life exciting and fulfilling not only for the few but for the many. (Another meaning of practical Democracy.). This is the South African dream that Correctional Services as the national crime and security institution continues to pursue with dexterity. It is therefore right and proper for me to extend my profound thanks and appreciation to each one of you for the work you have done and continue to do, the sacrifices you have made and continue to make. Your resolve to be associated with one of the most difficult of Government Departments deserves better recognition. What we did not or could not do was not because of lack of commitment on the part of some of us.
We have put our strategic plan in place, setting out clear objectives and the framework for implementation and evaluation. We have unashamedly shared our plan for the future with the Government and the South African people thus creating strong expectations. We have spoken about: -
* The security of inmates, members and the communities
* The well-being and development of inmates
* Professionalisation of the system
* The rehabilitation of offenders
* Over-population and subsidiary interventions
* The new-building programs
* Restorative Justice and Partnerships
* Rural development and poverty alleviation
* The fight against corruption and malpractices
* International obligations and Human Rights
* Restructuring and re-deployment
* Powers, functions and responsibilities
* The situation of women and children in prison
These are some of the profound matters that pose earnest challenges to the Minister, the Commissioner and the entire leadership of Correctional Services at all levels. In moving forward let us seriously heed the concerns of the poet, Langston Hughes, the author Shelby Steel and President Mbeki, not to defer the dream otherwise it will explode.
There is an African saying which goes: "Learn from the hornbill, the bird of unconquerable hope - no matter how bad the drought, no matter how desperate the famine, the hornbill always holds its beak high, its beak pointed towards a better tomorrow. Never be like a crow whose ugly beak points earthwards in pessimism - be ever like a hornbill my child".
In closing, I want to wish you and your families a joyous and peaceful festive season. In facing the challenges in the New Year, may you emulate the hornbill bird and make the next year prosperous and fulfilling for all around you.
May God bless you all!
Source: Department of Correctional Service (http://www.dcs.gov.za)
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