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10 October 2007

Correctional Services Minister Ngconde Balfour announced the appointment of two women into executive management positions in Pretoria today, 10 October 2007.

The new appointees are Advocate Tozama Mqobi as Regional Commissioner (Deputy Director-General) of Gauteng and Ms Grace Molatedi as Area Commissioner (Chief Director) of Pretoria Management Area. Making the announcement today Minister Balfour said the transformation of the Department remains high on the agenda adding that "Correctional Services is determined to meet its equity and genders targets through among others appointing capable women into management positions."

Minister Balfour's announcement follows the endorsement of the appointment of the Gauteng Regional Commissioner by Cabinet which met in Pretoria this morning.

Advocate Mqobi has occupied various positions within the Department of Correctional Services, first as Deputy Commissioner of Legal and Special Operations and secondly as Head of the Ministry of Correctional Services.

Advocate Mqobi has an LLB degree from the University of Transkei (now Walter Sisulu University of Technology) and a Human Resources Management qualification from the University of South Africa.

Ms Molatedi also occupied various positions in the Department which include being Area Commissioner of Grootvlei and Regional Head of Development and Care in the Free State–Northern Cape Region. She is a qualified social worker that boasts of extensive experience working for the National Institute for the Rehabilitation of Offenders (NICRO), Cancer Association and Kimberley Mines.

The appointment of Advocate Mqobi, soon after the confirmation of Ms Nadira Singh as Chief Financial Officer, increased women representation at the Deputy Director-General level to 45 percent. Of the eleven Deputy Director-General positions five are occupied by women who include:

1. Ms Nontsikelelo Jolingana: Regional Commissioner of the Eastern Cape
2. Ms Jenny Schreiner: Chief Deputy Commissioner for Operations and Management Support
3. Ms Jabu Sishuba: Chief Deputy Commissioner for Development and Care
4. Ms. Nadira Singh: Chief Financial Officer
5. Advocate Tozama Mqobi: Regional Commissioner of Gauteng.

National Commissioner Vernie Petersen welcomed the appointments and expressed his confidence in the capabilities of the newly appointed women executive managers. He also called on all officials and stakeholders working with the Department to ensure unwavering support for these executive managers.

Enquiries:
Manelisi Wolela
Tel: 012-3058205
Cell: 0836260304

Issued by: Department of Correctional Services
10 October 2007