A farewell function for a retired correctional services officer turned into a free lesson for all on how to make the best out of one’s career.

This was during the farewell function of Rathogwa Matodzi, who left public office after unbroken service of 39 years, which was held at the Thohoyandou Correctional Services center on Friday last week.

The acting manager for communication at the centre, Mr Mathivha, said it had become a culture at the center that when members retire an event of this nature was held. "We always do this in order that all, and mostly the young members, have the chance to listen to speeches, learn how others held on to their jobs for such long periods and also draw lessons from them. There is no better opportunity than this when members gather together and listen to others; they go back to their posts motivated," he said.

Matodzi was born on the April 26, 1948, at Ngwenani-ya-ha-Mapholi, where he grew up. His first employment was at the Germiston Municipality in 1969 where he worked for seven months before being employed by the Department of Prisons at Germiston Prison as a probation warder. He worked for two years before he could be sent for basic training.

He was finally sent to Baviaanspoort Training College for basic training in May 1971, and this was a major step in his career as it guaranteed him permanent employment. He had stints at the Pretoria Central and Leeuwkop prisons, where he performed his duties as a safe-custody official. He was later nominated for catering in 1974, where he also attended a course on catering.

When Venda was declared independent in 1979, Matodzi was transferred to Venda Basic Training College as a member in charge of the dining hall. His stay there was shortlived as he again transferred to the Venda Central Prison in 1981, where he performed his duties as a caretaker at the kitchen. He excelled at his job and within a short space of time he was in charge of the Venda Prison mess hall.

His last days at the centre were at Medium A Correctional Center, where he is retiring after serving the Department of Correctional Services for a solid 39 years.

The area commissioner at Thohoyandou Correctional Centre, Dir Mbewe, said the department had lost a great and dedicated man in Matodzi. He relived the days when he met him at Leeuwkop Prison while still a recruit in 1977.

Matodzi said he was humbled by the love shown by his colleagues. "Had it not been for your love, I would not have enjoyed my stay, but let me assure you now that I really enjoyed my years here. You were a wonderful group of people to work with," he said.

Asked what he will be doing henceforth, Matodzi, who is a natural businessman, said his farm would keep him busy. He owns a 10-hectare farm and 22 head of cattle.