DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES Transforming prisons into correctional centres - places of new beginnings

SCOPE AIM OF DCS TRANSFORMATION 1993 – 2000 STRATEGIC REALIGNMENT SINCE 2000 KEY MEDIUM TERM DEPARTMENTAL OBJECTIVES CHALLENGES FACING DCS POLICY INITIATIVES FOR MEDIUM TERM COMMENTS ON MEDIUM TERM BUDGET POLICY STATEMENT Commitment in 2001 to put rehabilitation at center of all it’s activities. Internal strategic planning session in October 2001 - Mvelaphanda. Unit Management mainstreamed as vehicle for rehabilitation Development of “Conceptualizing Rehabilitation” document in 2001 Development of corporate culture to support philosophy of rehabilitation & correction. Corrections is much more that just crime prevention Correction as holistic process that focuses on social responsibility, social justice, participation in democratic activities & contribution to making South Africa better place. DCS can achieve it’s objective behavior & social circumstances. DCS is State’s agent in rendering final level of correction. DCS improving its operation in integrated governance framework. Policies should be aligned with overall policies of Government & also that of other departments.

AIM OF DCS Purpose of correctional system is to contribute to maintaining & protecting just, peaceful & safe society by — (a) enforcing sentences of courts in manner prescribed by this Act; (b) detaining all prisoners in safe custody whilst ensuring their human dignity; & (c) promoting social responsibility & human development of all prisoners & persons subject to community corrections. (Correctional Services Act, Act No 111 of 1998) Correctional Services Act provides perhaps most succinct statement of core mandate of Department of Correctional Services, while at same time indicating function of Department in relation to South African criminal justice system. It states that: “ purpose of correctional system is to contribute to maintaining & protecting just, peaceful & safe society by — () enforcing sentences of courts in manner prescribed by this Act; (b) detaining all prisoners in safe custody whilst ensuring their human dignity; & (c) promoting social responsibility & human development of all prisoners & persons subject to community corrections.” (Correctional Services Act, Act No 111 of 1989)

TRANSFORMATION 1993 - 2000 Alignment of Department with human rights culture due to 1993 Interim Constitution led to 1994 White Paper Appointment of Inspecting Judge Affirmative Action process Approval of National Crime Prevention Strategy in 1996 Demilitarization 1 April 1996 New Constitution in 1996 & Bill of Rights New Correctional Services Act in 1998 Critical events in period: Introduction of human rights culture brought about by 1993 Interim Constitution Alignment of Department with human rights culture Appointment of Inspecting Judge Approval of National Crime Prevention Strategy in 1996 Demilitarization of Department of 1 April 1996 New Constitution in 1996 & Bill of Rights New Correctional Services Act in 1998

STRATEGIC REALIGNMENT SINCE 2000 Rehabilitation placed at center of all DCS activities Overhaul of internal strategic planning Unit Management mainstreamed as vehicle for rehabilitation Reconceptualizing of rehabilitation in 2001/2 New corporate culture to support rehabilitation & correction Correction as holistic process DCS as State’s agent in correction Upgrade DCS involvement in integrated governance Commitment in 2001 to put rehabilitation at center of all it’s activities. Internal strategic planning session in October 2001 - Mvelaphanda. Unit Management mainstreamed as vehicle for rehabilitation Development of “Conceptualizing Rehabilitation” document in 2001 Development of corporate culture to support philosophy of rehabilitation & correction. Corrections is much more that just crime prevention Correction as holistic process that focuses on social responsibility, social justice, participation in democratic activities & contribution to making South Africa better place. DCS can achieve it’s objective behavior & social circumstances. DCS is State’s agent in rendering final level of correction. DCS improving its operation in integrated governance framework. Policies should be aligned with overall policies of Government & also that of other departments.

KEY MEDIUM TERM DEPARTMENTAL OBJECTIVES Implementation of White Paper on Correctional Services Transformation and Restructuring Construction of 4 New Generation Prisons Human Resource Development Framework against Corruption Compliance with existing policies Policy Development Framework against Overcrowding Orientation of Persons under Correction Preparation of Correctional Centres for Rehabilitation Information Communication Technology External Relations Improvements in Financial Management Communication International Relations Research

CHALLENGES FACING DCS * CORRECTION, DEVELOPMENT & CARE SERVICES * IMPROVED HUMAN RESOURCE CAPACITY * CORRECTION, DEVELOPMENT & CARE SERVICES * IMPROVED MANAGEMENT OF SECURITY & FACILITIES * IMPROVED ADMINISTRATION & INSTITUTIONAL CAPACITY * DCS ANTI-CORRUPTION STRATEGY * IMPROVED MANAGEMENT OF ACCOMODATION

POLICY INITIATIVES FOR MEDIUM TERM Implementation of White Paper on Corrections Phasing out existing weekend (overtime) arrangement & implementation of seven day establishment Implementation of Nutritional Services in accordance with Section 8(5) of Act 111 of 1998 & Regulation 4 of Correctional Services. Infrastructure (Offender Accommodation)

COMMENTS ON MEDIUM TERM BUDGET POLICY STATEMENT WHITE PAPER ON CORRECTIONS: Shift to rehabilitation & social reintegration as a challenge to DCS. 10 year implementation plan of White Paper Current MTEF baseline not based on the new strategic direction – risk of implementing the White Paper over a period far longer than 10 years MTEF baseline not aligned to the White Paper implementation plan – negative consequences: * Hamper the process of rehabilitation * Negative impact on effective corrections * Increased risk of overcrowding

COMMENTS ON MEDIUM TERM BUDGET POLICY STATEMENT HUMAN RESOURCE ISSUES: 2005 Medium term budget policy framework provides for: * Expanded policing capacity – resources not cascaded to DCS as this would result in higher rate of arrests & hence in Awaiting Trial Detainees; * Improving salaries for police – negative impact on morale of correctional officers who deal with offenders on a more permanent basis who also need to fight crime through rehabilitation within the correctional centers; * Improving efficiency of courts – need for more correctional officers to rehabilitate offenders; * Increased risk due to increased member/offender ratio.

COMMENTS ON MEDIUM TERM BUDGET POLICY STATEMENT HUMAN RESOURCE ISSUES (CONTINUES) : Phasing out existing weekend (overtime) arrangement & implementation of seven day establishment & filling of vacancies will address: Compliance with Essential Service needs Positive impact on unemployment / job creation Positive impact on rehabilitation

Correctional Services values your role in breaking cycle of crime: in making rehabilitation work. Thank you Together we can strengthen social compact against crime, for better life.