South Africa, Botswana: The Department of South African Correctional Services is hosting the 3rd Edition of the Southern African Corrections, Prisons & Penitentiary Services Sports & Cultural Games in Pretoria, South Africa, from the 13-19 August 2023.
This year a total of six (6) member states, Botswana, Eswatini, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe, are participating in the games.
In his foreword message, the South African Minister of Justice and Correctional Services, Ronald Lamola, called for the spirit of camaraderie to prevail throughout the games. “We firmly believe that by working together, we can achieve significant milestones, and as leaders in the SADC Region, we have led by example through various cooperatives and agreements which are transforming the region,” he stated.
He urged the member states to continue making the region proud by contributing to safer communities in their respective countries. He said sport and physical activity have a unique and important role in terms of rehabilitating inmates and equipping them with skills to transform their offending character.
Officially opening the games yesterday, the South African Department of Correctional Services Acting Chief Deputy Commissioner Kenneth Mthombeni welcomed all the participating countries and wished them well during the weeklong event. He implored the participants to embrace the spirit of sportsmanship, expand networks and make new friends during their stay in South Africa.
Meanwhile, Team Botswana, led by Deputy Commissioner Keneilwe Mokwenaotsile, started with a good start with the football team thrashing Namibia 3 – 0 and drawing 1 – 1 with Zambia Correctional Service. Tug of War beat Zambia 2 – 0, while the Volleyball Team lost 2 of their first games.
Commissioner of Prisons – Commissioner Dinah Marathe is expected to join the Team tomorrow (16/08/23). The games will continue until Friday (18/08/23).