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Launch of Correctional Services Code of Conduct
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Speeches and Media Releases
 Safety Liaison and Transport

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EASTERN CAPE PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT
 SPEECH BY MR NEIL NAIDOO ON BEHALF OF THE MEC NEER
AT THE   PROVINCIAL LAUNCH OF THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES CODE OF CONDUCT
 17 NOVEMBER 2000



MEC - Dept. of Education- MR S. S
 Director General of the Eastern Cape - Mr Tom
 The Provincial Head National Intelligence, Eastern Cape
 Major General Mofokeng SANDF
 Chairperson of Youth Commission, Eastern Cape
 The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS
 The Area Commissioner SAPS East London and
 Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen

I must firstly apologise for the absence of the MEC, Mr D. Neer.He is not able to attend due to other prior commitments.As I make my 
greetings to you all, please also allow me to show my appreciation to the Provincial Commissioner for having invited me to share some of my 
thoughts with you today on how we can make your code of conduct practical and a living document.

A new dawn has beckoned for us as South Africans.We have acknowledged the rights of individuals irrespective of who they are.We have put in 
place constitutional guarantees of freedoms and liberties because in the absence of these freedoms we became victims. A new social contract 
has been drawn between government and civil society and now is the time for parties to deliver.

In a Department that provides and essential service, a code of conduct is not only important, it is sacred.We expect members of this 
Department to respect and honour the guidelines enshrined in this code.As people we need to remind each other from time to time, of those 
standards we had set for ourselves and pledged to abide by.

There should be a paradigm shift with the Department that will ensure we transform mindsets, attitudes, ethos and loyalty to our new 
democracy.We also need to continuously develop the human rights culture.People must join correctional services and government as whole in 
order that they contribute towards changing and transforming our society.

Amongst the challenges confronting us as the South African people, is the moral decay of society.In South African conditions, moral decay 
is worsened by the rot that set in within all sections of society under apartheid. That vile system that encouraged greed and corruption, 
murder, and the proliferations of dangerous weapons in the hands of civilians.A divisive system meant to serve the interest of a minority 
at the expense of the majority.The apartheid government was the seedbed of corruption and criminal activities both within the country and 
abroad. It was the headquarters of South African Crime against humanity

The Department and its members have in the Code of Conduct that was delivered by Minister Ben Skosana on 24 October 2000 committed 
themselves to :

* Development of the Human Rights culture that must pervade their work
* Integrity in the performance of their functions and the relationship with their employer.
* Security of the rights of inmates and communities they serve
* Recognition and observance for human dignity
* Efficiency and accountability in their tasks
* Justice and fair treatment for all

These values in the Code of Conduct underpin the respect for human dignity. They indicate further the commitment to public service and 
exhibit a clear stance on the abolishment of former human resources malpractices, maladministration and corruption. The Code of Conduct in 
no uncertain terms further enhances transparency and accountability in line with Chapter 3 of our Constitution which stipulates these 
principles for Government Departments.

As we all know Correctional Services is one of the three sister Departments of the criminal justice system.Its specific task is to take 
care of those amongst us who fall foul of the law.The Department has to rehabilitate such individuals and prepare them for the day they 
will be allowed to come back to society.This is a heavy responsibility.It, definitely, cannot be handled by corrupt individuals. We are in 
need of people with high moral values to carry that kind of responsibility, hence this launch today.We all, together need to bring an end 
to unexpectable levels of crime.Acting together with the people we will heighten our efforts to radically to improve the Safety and 
Security of all citizens.

We will and must ensure the National Crime Prevention Strategy is and becomes an implementable strategy. Already government Department in 
the Eastern Cape are starting to tackle crime in an integrated fashion through actively participating on the integrated justice forums and 
community safety fora which is still in the initial stage.

The Department of Correctional Services, Director of Ceremonies, is publicly pledging to ensure that this code of conduct will not just 
become a code with a shelf value but rather a living document that will guide us in our daily activities.We all need to work together in 
the common effort to transform all of us into a people for a better South Africa.

Of course, like in all areas of our society we do find rotten apples that are incorrigible.Just two weeks ago, in a SABC television 
programme of Special Assignment, we were witnesses to horrific scenes of racial prejudice and hatred perpetrated by members of the SAPS. 
Few days ago the media reported that a certain prisoner by the name of Mzimasi Thungulu better known as Macgiver escaped for the eight time 
since 1996.I want to comment the Department for the suspension of three members, however theirdisciplinary trials must be expedited. I want 
to warn and assure you that this government is committed to honest, transparent and accountable government our determination to act against 
any body who transgresses these norms. Corruption must surely rank as the single most important factor that negatively affects service 
delivery of Government.The Code is clear about your responsibilities in this regard.You have to do something.

The Department of Correctional Services does have its fair share of these social misfits. It is today declaring through its code of conduct 
that such rogues are not welcome within its midst. They will be flushed out from the Department and thrown into oblivion where they belong.

But this day is not about speeches but about a celebration.We celebrate with you the new tide that has turned in your Department.We 
celebrate with you the initiative that you have displayed by taking up the challenge and committing yourselves to the observance of human 
rights, the eradication of corruption within your Department and greater integration with complementing Departments in the fight against 
crime.It is a National task that calls for the mobilisation of the whole nation into united peoples action, into a partnership with 
government for progressive change and better life for all, for a common effort to build a winning nation.

Chairperson, ladies and gentlemen, South Africa is in urgent need to have this new person.We need to think mass production here if we are 
to cope with the demand out there. During the past six years of democracy we focussed on establishing systems. We need to seriously look at 
our human resources.Is it ready to handle the new systems of a democratic, non-racial South Africa. If the answer is no what are we doing 
to address that.

A challenge still facing us is the achievement of better policing, a better-trained and efficient criminal justice system, involvement of 
the people in fight against crime and a campaign to refurbish the moral fibre of South African Society.

I want to appeal to Correctional Services officials to actively participate on community police forums so as to explain to the communities 
the issues and challenges relating to Correctional Services

Chairperson, ladies and gentlemen, true we inherited a violent society, characterised by high levels of crime and family violence.Now the 
challenge for al of us is to come with measures that eradicate our apartheid legacy and contribute in the building of a new South 
Africa.The Department of Correctional Services is today placing another building block in the developing structure of a democratic South 
Africa.

In conclusion an important part of the struggle for Africas Renaissance is the struggle against corruption.The present government is 
presently a change agent for a better life for all and the front line fighter against corruption in our society.

I want to conclude with a President Mbekis speech in parliament on the 25 June 1999, I quote We are on course

I Thank You!!!!

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