27 May 2018

President Mokgweetsi Masisi has on May 26 awarded 168 medals to Botswana Prisons Service staff.

The award ceremony was part of the activities to mark Prisons Day 60th anniversary held at Mahalapye Prisons Staff College.

The awards were divided into categories including; meritorious service, which recognises outstanding contribution to the prisons service in particular and the country in general, while distinguished service order was awarded to officers with exemplary record of at least 30 years of continuous service.

Botswana prisons jubilee service medal was received by members who had served for at least 25 years continuously with good service record and long service, while good conduct award recognises officers with at least 18 years of continuous service.

Prior to awarding the medals, President Masisi inspected a guard of honour paraded by the Prisons staff.

The diamond jubilee celebrations were graced by, among other dignitaries, cabinet ministers, senior government officials, former commissioners of prisons and members of the diplomatic corps.

Speaking at the celebrations, Commissioner Silas Motlalekgosi said of recent, the department experienced massive and positive developments.

Such, he said was because of government commitment, which resulted in the department managing to experience positive transformation.

He said the department aspired to soldier on and be at pole position in delivering its mandate.

Mr Motlalekgosi said despite limited resources, the department was able to deliver, stay relevant and be at par with changes that would help fully execute its mandate.

Commissioner Motlalekgosi said the department was however still handicapped by challenges in pursuit of excellent service delivery.

Mr Motlalekgosi said activities of the day were testimony to the fact that the department was achieving its mandate of rehabilitating inmates and releasing them into society equipped with skills that would add value to life.

The department, he said also focused on improving overall efficiency and customer satisfaction dependent on the character and professionalism of employees.

The celebrations were held under the theme; Honouring the Past, Treasuring the Present and Shaping the Future. ENDS