Modimolle hosts correctional services sport and wellness day

Modimolle’s Ephraim Mogale Stadium was a hive of activity on Wednesday, 18 September, when the Department of Correctional Services in Limpopo, Mpumalanga and North West hosted its sport and wellness event.

Officials from across the Limpopo province, stationed under both the Thohoyandou and Polokwane management areas, took part in the activities for the day.

The activities at the event included testing for various health conditions, and also partaking in sporting codes such as soccer, tug-of-war, aerobics and a fun walk.

The regional head for Human Resources, Ruth Letsoalo, told The BEAT the health of correctional services officials is of great importance, especially given the nature of the work they are doing
on a daily basis.

Letsoalo said from time to time the officers deserve a day where they forget about their difficult work, and focus on improving their wellness.

“To emphasize on the importance of wellness among our officials, we have various kinds of sporting codes to allow each and every member to participate in what they like. It is an ongoing thing, where every week on a particular day our members participate in sporting activities to keep healthy and fit,” she said.

Acting Deputy Regional Commissioner Takalani Mashamba said officers are working in an environment where they find themselves working with offenders, who at times can be difficult to handle.

Mashamba said officials also need to have time for themselves in order to regroup and refresh.

He said it is through events like these that they can be able to enhance their physical and emotional strength.

He called on members of the public to support the department as its main aim is to contribute to a peaceful and safer South Africa.

Department of Correctional Services in Limpopo, Mpumalanga and North West sports council president, Sunnyboy Mndawe, said although they have not yet fully met their goal in terms of the employee
wellness and fitness, he was positive that they were heading in the right direction.

Mndawe said the officials are encouraged to participate in sports on a weekly basis around at their local management areas.

“We have a variety of sporting codes and games including morabaraba, darts and other indigenous games. The little exercise that we do on a weekly basis can have positive results in the workplace,” he said.

— The BEAT