Some long-serving employees of the Namibian Correctional Service (NCS) say being recognised for their hard work is rewarding, and it helps boost staff morale.
"My name is Diana Manga Chipango, Deputy Commissioner by rank. I serve as the vice chairperson of the National Release Board Northeast. I've served the Namibian Correctional Service for 16 years."
"I'm a superintendent. I've been in the service for the past 18 years, and I've been mostly in the division of security, whereby basically you are more face-to-face with offenders and inmates, so I'm basically boots on the ground."
"These were just some of the 50 employees who were conferred Long Service Medals at the Elizabeth Nepemba Correctional Facility in the Kavango West Region."
The group was recognised for professionalism, dedication and commitment.
They talk about what this means to them.
"It's rewarding; it's feeling appreciated, and at the same time being reminded that all the years we thought we were not seen, we actually have been seen."
"The juniors who see that they should also step up and want to be part of where I am. So that one day in their lifetime of being with the NCS, they can also be awarded," stated Senior Chief Correctional Officer Mellvin Modise.
They talk about what they enjoy most about working for the NCS.
"What the community finds unfit to be in the community, and we see these people come in here, transform themselves, and live here as better, low-abiding citizens. Yeah, that's the best reward for me."
"Being a disciplined member of the NCS, since somebody has been groomed or been trained, is one of the ways to follow for you to be a member of the NCS."
The Commissioner General, Raphael Hamunyela, elaborates on what discipline means in the context of the force.
"We define discipline as an ability to do what is right even though you don't want to do it."
The Commissioner General says those who work for the NCS are there to serve.
"We need to understand that we are not the body or the organ of state that give punishment to any person. We are the organisation that assists the people in their rehabilitation, and we need to understand that."