Cape Town - National Commissioner in the Department of Correctional Services Tom Moyane has promised to set aside at least R500 000 to reward hardworking officers.
The announcement was made last night during the Western Cape Excellence Awards ceremony held in Somerset West, Cape Town.
The awards, which cover a three-year period, include the Mlombile Award, a posthumous award in honour of officials who died in the line of duty and the Good Governance Award which recognises individuals who are champions of efficient service delivery.
Moyane said that starting from this year, his department would invest at least R500 000 to provide basic and advanced training to "36 national ambassadors of excellence" identified since 2008 as well as those selected from this year onwards.
"Our vision clearly states that we want to be one of the best in delivering Correctional Services with integrity and commitment to excellence. The Corrections Excellence Awards are a means or an expression of our commitment to value our officials, without whom the best of our achievements ...would remain a pipedream," said Moyane.
He added that never again shall the recognition of officials' excellent performance be relegated to non-priority status.
Regional Commissioner James Smalberger echoed this sentiment, saying he was not going to tolerate lazy officials.
