JUSTICE and Correctional Services Minister Ronald Lamola said the importance of sport cannot be over emphasised.
He said it was even more important for Correctional Services officials due to the nature of their jobs.
Lamola was speaking against the backdrop of the Sport and Culture Games which are taking place at the Kgosi Mampuru II Correctional Centre in Tshwane.
Correctional officials from countries in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) are competing in various sporting games such as soccer, netball, aerobics, athletics, chess, darts, pool, tennis, and volleyball.
The games started on Monday, 14 August and will end on Friday, 18 August. Participating countries include Zambia, Botswana, Eswatini, Namibia, Zimbabwe and South Africa.
“All correctional officials must be fit, healthy and be exemplary to other officials in the security sector. Let the spirit of camaraderie prevail throughout the games. We want to foster oneness and togetherness among officials in the region,” said Lamola.
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He said they firmly believe that working together, they can achieve significant milestones as leaders in the SADC region.
“We have led by example through various co-operatives and agreements through which we are transforming the region. As you go back home as champions, hopefully, you'll continue making us proud by contributing to safer communities in your respective countries. Let us continue participating in sport and extending it to inmates we are looking after,” said Lamola.
The minister 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.
“The wellbeing of our officials remains our priority, we will continue facilitating broader participation of our officials in more cultural and sporting activities,” he said.
