Byline: Nonjabuliso Nhlambo
05 August 2026
On 03 August 2026, the acting Area Commissioner of Bethal Management Area, Mr. Mzwamakhaya Dlepu and the executive of Bethal Management Area welcomed 27 newly appointed learners. These learners returned from training at Zonderwater and Kroonstad Training Colleges.
Soon upon arrival they proceeded with the Department of Correctional Services (DCS) Learnership programmetogether with a week’s orientation and induction programmes. This will equip them with knowledge of comprehending organizational operations and values. They will also have a detailed session that outlines the curriculum, learning outcomes and assessment methods. The learners were made aware of standard of discipline and professionalism that is expected from them.
Eventually, they will be introduced and handed to experience Correctional Officials that are designated mentors who will guide and support them throughout their learnership programme. They will carry out experiential duties that will transform them into skilled rehabilitators. They will remain under the programmeuntil the confirmation of permanent employment is made by the delegated authority.
During the welcoming, the acting Area Commissioner pleaded with learners to refrain from doing wrong things, particularly, corruption. He requested them to make use of the knowledge that they have acquired from the college as it will assist them to fulfil the mission of DCS. He also urged them to capacitate themselves with academic qualifications. The acting Area Commissioner cautioned about the demands of responsibilities of rehabilitating offender. He further urged them to have a professional relationship with their colleagues and offenders; and uphold the code of conduct of the DCS.
“Welcome to Bethal Management Area. You are privileged to be part of this progressive Management Area. This Management Area is amongst the best performing Management Areas of Limpopo, Mpumalanga and North-West (LMN) Region. This is attested by the fact that in the last quarter of the last financial year, Bethal Management Area achieved 100% on Annual Performance Plan (APP). Therefore, please show determination and listen to your mentors, perhaps in the coming 20 years, you will be part of the leadership of Bethal management Area,” he said.
The learners will be deployed to Correctional Centres of Bethal Management Area. The appointment of these learners is a practical demonstration of beefing up stability of Bethal Management Area for the fulfilment of the mission of contributing to a just, peaceful and safer South Africa through effective and humane incarceration; and the rehabilitation and social reintegration of inmates.
