Staff Reporter
THE Namibian Correctional Service (NCS) has strengthened its international presence and achieved steady operational progress during the 2025/2026 financial year, with an 82% implementation rate of its Annual Plan, Commissioner-General Raphael Tuhafeni Hamunyela has said.
Speaking at the 12th Departmental Management Committee (DMC) meeting held at the Lucius S. Mahoto Correctional Service Training College in Omaruru from 23 to 25 March 2026, Hamunyela highlighted the Service’s growing engagement on global correctional platforms aimed at enhancing cooperation and knowledge-sharing.
He said that in June 2025, the NCS co-hosted a Prison Infrastructure Workshop with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), and also participated in the International Corrections and Prisons Association (ICPA) Annual Conference. During the conference, an agreement in principle was reached for a memorandum of understanding with Turkish authorities, while the introduction of a quarterly “Fatherhood Day” initiative at correctional facilities was also recommended.
Hamunyela added that the NCS has already participated in the International Research in Corrections Conference in New Zealand this year, with further engagements planned, including the Prison Design and Technology Conference in Morocco and the upcoming ICPA Annual Conference in Northern Ireland.
He added that although his tenure on the ICPA Board will conclude this year, Africa will continue to be represented following the election of Zimbabwe’s Commissioner-General of Prisons and Correctional Services, Dr Moses Cyril Ngawaite Chihobvu, to the board at the previous conference held in Istanbul, Turkey.
The NCS also continues to play an active role in the African Correctional Services Association (ACSA), which has strengthened partnerships through agreements with institutions such as the Raoul Wallenberg Institute and is currently reviewing its governance framework to improve financial accountability.
On operational performance, Hamunyela reported that the NCS recorded an overall Annual Plan implementation rate of 82% in the third quarter of the 2025/2026 financial year, reflecting steady progress in achieving its strategic objectives.
He said the Service remains focused on its core mandate of ensuring safe custody, promoting inmate welfare, strengthening rehabilitation programmes, and supporting the successful reintegration of offenders into society.
Photo: Namibian Correctional Service
