Wednesday, June 10, 2009

THE BOTSWANA PRISON BOSS


On a mission to make good of the bad

It was not a smooth walk in for Colonel Silas Motlalekgosi when he took over as Commissioner of Prisons from Herman Kau, last year.
The second member of the Botswana Defence Force (BDF) to head Prisons after the retired Brigadier Justice Sebolao, who served as Commissioner of Prisons from 1996-1998, all Motlalekgosi demands is to be given a chance to prove his worth. MOSES MARUPING chats him up.

Why does Botswana Prisons Service exist?

The Botswana Prisons Service exists to protect the society by actively encouraging and assisting offenders to become law abiding citizens through empowerment of staff and abiding by the disciplinary code of conduct. We will exercise reasonable, safe, secure and humane control of offenders in order to achieve National Security, Peace, Tranquility and Economic Growth. The objectives of the Service are to provide safe custodial care to prisoners; to provide effective rehabilitation programmes to prisoners as well as to provide efficient administration of prisons and resources.

To what extent does adult literacy education offered in Botswana prisons prepare its recipients for life after completion of their prison term?

Prisoners are offered training in various trade skills to make them competitive in the labour market after release from prison in an effort to reduce the incidence of crime and re-offending.
Rehabilitation of prisoners involves helping them to identify their weaknesses, which led them to prison to be able to avoid them in future and also learn to build on their strong points in order to face life with confidence and positive determination after release from prison. Very soon I want to start an initiative in which prisoners will be enrolled to pursue training in partnership with the public sector, business community and individuals. I will then approach companies to offer attachment services for these prisoners whilst serving extra-mural labour.

Are there any success stories that demonstrate that indeed ex-prisoners have used the education to make a living?

Yes, indeed. We have a classic example of a former prisoner who is running his own tyre services workshop in Serowe. This gentleman exhibited his products during a Labour Fair held last month. We also have church ministers, pastors and counselors. All these individuals are graduates of our prison education system. I want to implore society to stop shunning prisoners. They are an integral part of our society and it’s everybody’s responsibility.

How will your military background contribute to the efficient running of the country’s Prison Services?

I’m of the view that wars can’t be won by machines alone but by man and combination of machines. I do believe effective communication and flexibility in an organization can work wonders for everybody. Both my academic and professional background will convince you. I graduated from Lacrosse University in Louisiana, USA with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Public Administration in 2002. I also completed Executive Project Management from the University of Botswana in 2008 as well as a Certificate in Principles of Management from Cameron University in Oklahoma, USA.
Mind you, I joined the Botswana Defence Force (BDF) in 1987 as an Officer Cadet (trainee) and I was appointed to take charge of various responsibilities in the army’s Artillery, some of which include Commanding Officer for Field Regiment in 2004 and Commander 11 Artillery Brigade in 2007. My military training include Senior Army Command Course (Sacc) from Nanjing Army Command College in China from 2005-2006, Training, Planning, Management and Development course (TPMD), which was conducted in Botswana through United States government for African Contingency Operations Training and Assistance (ACOTA) in 2007. My military training on Command level is qualified by attending the US-Army Command and General Staff Course (USCGSC) in Ft Leavenworth Kansas, USA.
Some of my achievements include coordinating BDF and African Contingency Operations Training and Assistance (ACOTA) and Peace Support Operations (PSO) initiatives. I was Liaison Officer for BDF Second United Nations Operations in Somalia of which I was awarded the United Nations Peace Keeping Medal (UNISOM), following my return from peacekeeping mission in Somalia in 2004. President Ian Khama also bestowed me with the Distinguished Service Medal (DSM) for my devotion and dedication in the service.

Do you feel that you are the right man for the job?

I strongly believe so and all I can say is that time will tell. I really want to leave behind a good legacy. I strongly believe in self-discipline.

Could you tell us what you consider as priority areas of your reform programme in the Prison Services?
If you recall I was appointed Commissioner of Prisons on a 2-3 years secondment term effective from 6 October 2008. My aim is to re-strategize and restructure several initiatives within the prison service. This will be achieved through improving conditions of service and turning the tables around. By this I mean, improving prison security, infrastructure and training as well as conditions of service.

How are you going to resolve vocal discontentment expressed in some circles including Parliamentarians about being a personnel from the military heading the Prison Services?
I didn’t decide to be here. All I know is that I was brought here because the powers that be felt that I was capable. I would not want to entertain negative views from detractors who continue to label us as President Khama’s babies (favourites) by discriminating against former army officers. We in the disciplined forces believe that the mission comes first and everything and everybody is subordinate to the mission. My military background will come in handy in executing my duties proficiently. We’re all Batswana and we’re here to serve.

What is the desired staff/prisoner ratio?

Internationally, the acceptable ratio is 1-4 or 1-6 officers per prisoners. However, here at home we’re still struggling as you find that we’re currently sitting at 1-25, which is way beyond these figures.

How could you improve this ratio?

This can only be achieved by improving the whole package by way of restructuring and improving conditions of service. In short, we need to re-strategize, reshape and remodel. We also need highly qualified professionals.

Do you feel the staff recruitment procedures for prison officers come up with personnel capable of dealing with prisoners?

To some extend yes. However, we need to improve our recruitment and screening of prospective employees to effectively deal with prisoners.

What strategies would you bring on board to maintain the prison population at manageable levels?

This is something that the Attorney General’s Chambers and other relevant stakeholders are looking at, alternative sentencing. People who are found guilty on certain minor offences should not be necessarily sent to jail.

Do you know how many years the longest serving prisoner/s have done?

Yes, we do. The prisoner has been in prison for the past 28 years.

Should prisoners be given condoms to prevent HIV/AIDS and other communicable disease transmissions?

These are policy issues. What I do know is that sodomy is a criminal offence in and out of prison.

What do you like about Botswana?
The peace and tranquility that prevails.

What do you hate?
Negative and uninformed criticism.

What is your favourite past time?

I’m a dedicated sports fanatic. I used to play football but these days I spend most of my spare time at my farm.

Do you have any last words?

I would like to pay respect and gratitude to all the officers who continue to make a difference in the prisons service including past commissioners who despite all the hardships stood the test of time. Despite the challenges my officers continue to do a good job. They do more with less.

PERSONAL PROFILE


FULL NAMES: Silas Motlalekgosi
D.O.B: Sometime in 1965
P.O.B: Molepolole
HOME VILLAGE: Molepolole
HOBBIES: Mostly sports and farming.
ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENTS: Bsc Degree in Public Administration, and Certificate in Principles of Management
CAR DRIVING: I don’t have a car and I’m not into cars. I hire when the need arises.
DREAM CAR: None
MARITAL STATUS: Married to Malebogo Motlalekgosi and we have three beautiful kids
CURRENTLY READING: The Power of Your Subconscious Mind by Joseph Murphy, 25 Ways to Win with People by John Maxwell and the Holy Bible.
FAV MOVIE: Boyz in the Hood
FAV ACTOR/ACTRESS: Denzel Washington and Haille Berry
ROLE MODEL: My mother, Mmabatshidi Motlalekgosi

IN HIS OWN WRITE WITH RUDEBOY NECTA


DOMINIC MOTOLOKI A.K.A COMING SOON


CHOREOGRAPHER


IN THREE WORDS, I AM...

Creative, sociable and loving.

IF I’M FRIGHTENED OF ANYTHING IN LIFE, IT’S...

Thieves and diseases.

IF I COULD TRAVEL BACK IN TIME I’D SET THE DIALS FOR...

My days in Zambia (1999) as a struggling performer.

MY FAVOURITE PERSON IN THE UNIVERSE IS...


My mum, Josephine Motoloki.

MY LEAST FAVOURITE PERSON IN THE UNIVERSE IS...


The Devil-Satan, but generally I love everybody.

THE LAST TIME I LOOKED IN THE MIRROR I THOUGHT...


One day I’m going to be very successful.

IF I HAD TO LEAVE A BODY PART TO SCIENCE, IT WOULD BE...


My limbs-they’re the reason I survive.

MY DEFINITION OF LOVE IS...


A warm affection one feels towards those s/he cares about.

THE LAST TIME I VOMITED, IT WAS BECAUSE OF...


Drinking Black Label beer on an empty stomach.

THE GREATEST LESSON LIFE HAS TAUGHT ME IS...


Never ever give up.

IF I KNEW THE WORLD WAS ENDING TOMORROW, THEN TODAY I’D...


Prepare myself for my final destination to the Pearly Gates of Heaven.

THE SONG I WANT PLAYED AT MY FUNERAL IS...


Any Gospel hymn that will cheer up the bereaved.

I WANT MY TOMBSTONE TO READ...

Here lies Coming Soon, the greatest dancer of our times. Rest in Peace Mr. Motoloki.


IN PURELY MONETARY TERMS, I AM WORTH ROUGHLY...


A lot of zeros. Let me just say I’m expensive.

NEED-TO-KNOW

1). Botswana’s number one dancer, Coming Soon, whose choreography moves are the envy of many in the local music circles was born Dominic Motoloki in Chirilabongwe , Zambia on April 4, 1982.
Coming Soon as he’s popularly known by legion of music fans locally said the village where he was born is situated on the border of Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Zambia.
 He explained that although he grew up in Zambia where his Zairian mother was married, he has also spent most of his teenage years in DRC. 
“However, my mother’s marriage didn’t last long as the two divorced and we all went back to DRC.” 

The talented dancer who continues to put a sizzle in Vee’s shows courtesy of his acrobatic dance moves revealed that he took interest in performing arts from an early age.
 “I started way back in 1999 with a Zambian Kwasa-Kwasa group called Green Labels. It was an army band and I doubled as a dancer and rapper. Life was tough then and I didn’t stay long in the group.”
 


2). Coming Soon said during the year 2000, he joined yet another Kwasa-Kwasa group of Maureen Bongola. 
‘Things were a bit promising with her as she was also a backing singer for Olivier Mtukudzi. Mind you, during those times Mtukudzi was big and I had hoped I would get a chance to perform with him. But things as usual didn’t pan out as expected and I packed my bags and joined another group in Zimbabwe called College Musica. This was in 2001.”

He did not stay long with the latter as he once more joined another group dubbed New Stars Musica, a group which will later bring the young man into our Botswana shores in September 2003 where he joined a group called Extra Melody until Vee offered him a competitive package in 2007.

3). Quizzed on where he gets his inspiration from, Coming Soon ascribed his phenomenal success to one of DRC’s greatest Kwasa-Kwasa musicians known as Werson.
‘ This man is talented and he’s big in my country; DRC. Some of the dance moves, which I do here, I would have copied from him. Take for instance the popular ‘Sanola’ dance. I first saw it from him and I brought it into Botswana. However, I don’t just copy everything. Some of the moves you see me doing on stage are a result of my creativity and hard work.”

4). Coming Soon is currently in a relationship with a good-looking Motswana girlfriend and the two have a one-year-old daughter called Michelle. 
 “I love these two women and I plan to spend the rest of my life with them. I could only pray that God do continue to smile upon my life for me to realize my dreams.”
He enjoys Pap, Rice and Chicken on any given day.
 His advice to those who want to make a thriving career out of choreography is, “practice and always bring something new to the stage. You should also be active on stage all the time.”