Eswatini has made a significant call to the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Member States, urging them to rethink the role of correctional facilities. Instead of merely housing offenders, these facilities should serve as centres of transformation. Here, human dignity is upheld, and individuals are given the chance to reform and become productive members of society upon release. This appeal was made during a SADC regional workshop focused on rehabilitation and reintegration.
The workshop, which took place at the Botswana Prison Staff College in Mahalapye, Botswana, was officially opened by Senior Superintendent Rainy Mefikanemvula Dlamini. He represented the Commissioner General of His Majesty’s Correctional Services, LaMakhosini Phindile Dlamini. In his address, Dlamini emphasized the importance of viewing correctional facilities as places where individuals can change and contribute positively to society. He encouraged delegates to use the workshop as a platform for exchanging experiences and finding practical solutions to common rehabilitation challenges.
The regional workshop, themed ‘Uniting for Rehabilitation and Reintegration: Strengthening Regional Partnerships for Safer and More Resilient Communities in SADC,’ brought together experts from correctional, prison, and penitentiary services across the SADC region. The event follows the SADC Corrections/Prisons Sub-Committee meeting held in June 2026 and is scheduled to run until 6 November 2026. This gathering aims to foster collaboration and the sharing of best practices among Member States.
According to His Majesty’s Correctional Services (HMCS), the workshop provides a valuable opportunity for Member States to share experiences and develop strategies aimed at reducing reoffending and improving rehabilitation outcomes. The ultimate goal is to build safer, more resilient communities within the SADC region. By focusing on rehabilitation and reintegration, Member States can work together to address common challenges and enhance regional safety and stability.
Successful rehabilitation in one Member State is seen as contributing to the safety and stability of the entire SADC region. Therefore, the exchange of ideas and best practices during the workshop is crucial. It allows for the identification of practical solutions to common challenges, ultimately supporting the creation of safer communities. The emphasis on rehabilitation and reintegration underscores the importance of human dignity within correctional facilities.
The call for correctional facilities to become centres of transformation aligns with broader regional efforts to enhance rehabilitation and reintegration. By prioritizing these aspects, SADC Member States can work towards reducing recidivism rates and fostering community safety. The workshop serves as a critical platform for advancing these goals, promoting a collaborative approach to addressing regional challenges.
The SADC regional workshop on rehabilitation and reintegration will continue until 6 November 2026, providing a comprehensive forum for discussion and collaboration. As the event progresses, participants are expected to engage in meaningful dialogue, share insights, and develop practical strategies. These outcomes will be crucial in shaping the future of correctional services within the SADC region, with a focus on transformation, rehabilitation, and community safety.
Key points
- Eswatini urges SADC Member States to treat correctional facilities as centres of transformation.
- A regional workshop in Botswana aims to enhance rehabilitation and reintegration practices.
- The event seeks to reduce reoffending and build safer communities through shared best practices.
