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