Matsapha — His Majesty King Mswati III has commended officers of His Majesty’s Correctional Services (HMCS) for their discipline, professionalism, and continued efforts to rehabilitate rather than punish, during the 17th Correctional Services Day held at the Correctional Services College in Matsapha on Thursday.
The event drew royals, Cabinet ministers, MPs, foreign correctional service chiefs, senior government officials and community members, including visiting heads of correctional services from across the region. The King welcomed guests and used the occasion to reflect on the evolution of Eswatini’s correctional system over the last 30 years.
Under the 2025 theme, Celebrating the Transformative Power of Second Chances: A 30-Year Milestone, His Majesty noted the system’s shift from retribution to rehabilitation, calling it a powerful tool for restoring dignity and building safer communities.
The King congratulated HMCS on its election as Regional Vice Chairperson of the African Correctional Services Association (ACSA) for the second time and recognised the institution’s role in promoting second chances through correctional programmes and character-building.
In his capacity as Commissioner-in-Chief of HMCS, the King announced new promotions within the force which he said aligns with the Southern African Community Development (SADC) protocol structures.
“On our way here, we have seen that the HMCS does various kinds of transformation. Looking at the structures within SADC, we have also found it appropriate to improve what was there before. We should be able to state what we mean when we are talking about being in line with the SADC protocol, which is what I am going to be able to announce today,” the King said.
His Majesty said that the Commissioner General, Lomakhosini Dlamini’s position, remains unmodified.
He then announced two new positions of Deputy Commissioner Generals, being Luke Malindza and Bongani Khumalo who had been commissioners before announcing a new additional deputy commissioner general, Sicelo Kunene.
The King then said five of those who have been deputy commissioners move to being commissioners. These five individuals are, Vusi Sicelo Kunene, Cyril Vusumuzi Maseko, Mancoba Nkhambule, Phindile Glory Sibandze and Ephraem Thwala.
His Majesty said that in addition, he was announcing two new commissioners to join the five, being Vusani Zwane and Makhosahlangene Maseko.
Other new internal reforms were mentioned, including the implementation of amended standing orders, a wellness policy, a gender network programme, and expanded healthcare services for both inmates and the wider community.
Officers performed coordinated drills and displays that earned praise from His Majesty for their skill and discipline. He also acknowledged the instructors for their work in preparing the parade.
His Majesty urged stronger collaboration with stakeholders, noting the support from international partners, including recent donations of ambulances. He also called for more partners to step forward in supporting rehabilitation efforts.
He then instructed the commissioner general to facilitate the prerogative of mercy processes with the relevant committee and said he was pleased with the reports of how both correctional officers and inmates live within the facilities.
“They (inmates) should not be left behind in the transformation. Those who have served some time in their sentences can get early release. This must be done in speed and the announcements be made in due course,” the king said, encouraging society to accept them back into their communities.
The celebration ended with words of appreciation for the officers and stakeholders who contributed to the success of the day.
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