"One must adhere to the employment policies and never procrastinate. Peaceful problem resolution and good communication skills will breed you into be a good employee. Respect your co-workers and never be absent without valid reasons."

These are the advice from Mr Ntshengedzeni Patrick Netshivhungululu (65), a dedicated civil servant who served the public service with distinction for 41 years.

Netshivhungululu was the Head of Thohoyandou (Matatshe) Medium A Correctional Centre. His service for the Department of Correctional Service and Public Service expired on Tuesday (31 July). To honour what he did for the public service, a retirement farewell function was held at the prison (Matatshe) premises on Thursday last week.

Before working for the Department of Correctional Services, Netshivhungululu had worked as a police officer. He was recruited to the then SAP in Pretoria, in 1965 and in 1966 he was officially appointed as a constable and stationed at Florida Police Station. In 1972, he was transferred to Waterpoort Police Station and later transferred to Sibasa Police Station in December 1973. He was promoted to the rank of Sergeant in 1974.

His hard work and dedication to his job saw him being nominated to write a promotional examination, after which he was promoted to the rank of Warrant Officer, the highest rank an African could be allowed to achieve in the South African Police at that time. He joined the Venda Central Prison (Matashe) as an administrator, on 13 September 1979. After completing the officer’s course in 1980, he was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant. In 1987 he was promoted to the rank of Captain, and thereafter appointed to Head of Prison.

After a short space of time, he was promoted to the rank of Major (now known as Assistant Director). In 1994, he was promoted to the rank of Colonel (now known as Deputy Director). In 1995 he was transferred to Pretoria Management Area where he worked as the Vice Chairperson of the Parole Board. In 1993 he came back to Thohoyandou and he became the Chairperson of the Parole Board until he was he appointed Head of the Thohoyandou Medium A Correctional Centre last year.

During the farewell function, Netshivhungululu said that he now feels satisfied because he had served his country with dedication and faithfulness. "Although it was not always easy, I persevered until I had paved my way to success. I would also like to thank my former co-workers and subordinates for their support, because I wouldn’t have achieved everything on my own. Above all, I would like to thank God whose grace has made me what I am to this day."

On behalf of the Department of Correctional Services Communication Section, Mr Mashudu Mathivha described Netshivhungululu as a valuable asset, whose dedication and work experience will be missed. "He is irreplaceable, but we are happy because he has paved the way and we are enjoying the fruits of his hard labour today. We will always remember him as a father whose wisdom will always drive us to work hard."