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

2. The new Correctional Supervision and Parole Boards
DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES
The new Correctional Supervision and Parole Boards
Presentation to the Select Committee
October 2004

3. Department of Correctional Services
Mandate
Sections 39, 42, 52, 54, 70, 71, and 73 to 83 as well as 136 of the Correctional Services Act, Act 111 of 1998, as amended, provides the legislative mandate for the functioning of the Correctional Supervision and Parole Boards

4. Department of Correctional Services
Background
System of parole previously severely based on the perception that it constituted administrative interference with sentences of imprisonment passed by a court of law.
System often accused of not being transparent and that it lacked independence in decision making.
System of parole is an internationally accepted practice.
Parole is aimed at managing the conduct of offenders by providing incentives for good behaviour and co-operation and also to allow for a controlled transitional period between imprisonment and normal community life.

5. The functioning of the new Correctional Supervision and Parole Boards
Department of Correctional Services
The functioning of the new Correctional Supervision and Parole Boards
The new legislation allows for the establishment of a transparent and fair parole system with the inclusion of key stakeholders outside of the Department in the decision making process.
Provision has been made for the appointment of a member from the community as full-time Chairperson.
Also, 2 members from the community for sittings of the Board (part-time)

6. The functioning of the new Correctional Supervision and Parole Boards
Department of Correctional Services
The functioning of the new Correctional Supervision and Parole Boards
Members from SAP, Justice may be co-opted
Where not co-opted, reports may be requested in respect of certain serious crimes
This new legislation has come into operation on 1 October 2004.

7. Department of Correctional Services
What is Parole
Parole is an internationally accepted mechanism that allows for the conditional release of offenders from Correctional Centres into the community prior to the expiration of their entire sentences of imprisonment, as imposed by a court of law
In our context it refers to a placement option from Correctional Centres into the system of community corrections
offender is released from Correctional Centres prior to the expiry of entire sentence of imprisonment to serve the remainder of the sentence outside of Correctional Centres subject to specific conditions.
Allows the offender to return to normal community life albeit under controlled conditions under the supervision of correctional officials.

8. Functions of the new Correctional Supervision and Parole Boards
Department of Correctional Services
Functions of the new Correctional Supervision and Parole Boards
Consider report from the Case Management Committee – offenders serving more than 12 months
place an offender under correctional supervision or day parole or grant parole
Set the conditions of community corrections
Dangerous criminals – make recommendation to court
Life imprisonment – make recommendations to court
Cases for review – submit record of proceedings to the Review Board
Deal with litigation i.r.o. decisions taken by the Board
Sound administration of matters of the Board

9. Mpumalanga/ North West/ Limpopo
Department of Correctional Services
Seats of the new Boards
Mpumalanga/ North West/ Limpopo
Barberton – Lydenburg, Nelspruit
Bethal - Geluk, Standerton, Ermelo, Piet Retief, Volksrust
Witbank - Belfast, Middelburg, Carolina
Klerksdorp - Christiana, Wolmeranstad, Potchefstroom
Rooigrond - Lichtenburg, Zeerust
Rustenburg - Brits, Losperfontein, Mogwase
Polokwane - Modimolle, Tzaneen
Thohoyandou - Louis Trichardt, Kutama Sinthumule (APOPS)

10. Seats of the new Boards Gauteng
Department of Correctional Services
Seats of the new Boards
Gauteng
Baviaanspoort
Boksburg - Heidelberg
Johannesburg(2)
Krugersdorp
Leeuwkop(2)
Modderbee - Nigel, Devon
Pretoria(2) - Atteridgeville, Odi
Zonderwater

11. Seats of the new Boards Eastern Cape
Department of Correctional Services
Seats of the new Boards
Eastern Cape
Lusikisiki - Bizana, Mt Ayliff, Mt Fletcher, Mt Frere, Flaggstaff, Tabankulu, Umzimkulu
Middledrift - Fort Beaufort, King Williams Town, Grahamstown, Stutterheim
East London - Mdantsane
Umtata - Nggeleni, Mqanduli
Cradock - Burgersdorp, Middelburg, Somerset East, Graaff Reinet
St Albans - Port Elizabeth, Patensie
Sada - Queenstown, Barkley East, Sterkspruit, Butterworth, Idutywa, Willowvale, Lady Frere, Elliotdale, Nqamakwe, Cofimvaba, Engcobo, Dordrecht
Kirkwood - Jansenville

12. Seats of the new Boards Western Cape
Department of Correctional Services
Seats of the new Boards
Western Cape
Allandale - Staart van Paardeberg, Obiqua, Hawequa
Brandvlei
Drakenstein - Stellenbosch
George - Oudtshoorn, Beaufort Wes, Ladismith, Prince Albert, Uniondale, Mossel Bay, Knysna
Helderstroom - Caledon, Buffeljagsrivier, Swellendam
Malmesbury - Riebeeck West
Pollsmoor(2) - Goodwood
Voorberg - Calvinia, Van Rhynsdorp
Worcester - Dwarsrivier, Robertson, Warmbokkeveld

13. Free State/ Northern Cape
Department of Correctional Services
Seats of the new Boards
Free State/ Northern Cape
Grootvlei - Brandfort, Boshof, Ladybrand, Winburg, Wepener, Mangaung (APOPS).
Colesberg - De Aar, Richmond, Victoria West, Hopetown.
Groenpunt - Vereeniging, Sasolburg, Frankfort, Parys, Heilbron.
Goedemoed - Edenburg, Fauresmith, Bethuli, Zastron
Upington - Springbok, Kuruman.
Kroonstad - Ventersburg, Senekal, Bethlehem, Lindley, Harrismith, Hennenman, Hoopstad, Odendaalsrus, Virginia, Ficksburg
Kimberley - Barkley-West, Douglas

14. Seats of the new Boards KwaZulu/ Natal
Department of Correctional Services
Seats of the new Boards
KwaZulu/ Natal
Pietermaritzburg - Sevontein, Ixopo, New Hanover
Durban(2) - Umzinto
Kokstad - Matatiële, Port Shepstone
Ncome - Vryheid, Nongome, Melmoth, Nkandla
Empangeni - Qulakabushe, Mtunzini, Maphumulo, Stanger, Eshowe, Ingwavuma
Waterval - Utrecht, Ekuseni, Newcastle
Glencoe - Dundee, Bergville, Ladysmith, Estcourt, Greytown, Kranskop, Pomeroy

15. Process for recruitment/ appointments to the New Boards
Department of Correctional Services
Process for recruitment/ appointments to the New Boards
Media & Marketing drive to inform public and possible candidates from the community - Imbizo by Minister during September, marketing by Regiognal Commissioners
Applications and nominations from the community for positions of Chair Person and representatives from the community were invited in National Media on 12 September 2004 i.e. Sunday Times, Rapport, City Press
Closing date for applications/ nominations was 1 October 2004
Previous applications will also be considered (Closing date was 16 July 2004)

16. Process for recruitment/ appointments to the New Boards
Department of Correctional Services
Process for recruitment/ appointments to the New Boards
The Regional Commissioners should appoint task teams to scan CVs, apply the criteria and draw up the short lists
National Advisory Council on Correctional Services, Portfolio Committee and Select Committee invited to participate in the whole process committees have been advised that, in order to ensure a fair interviewing process, the members of a selection panel for a specific post should ensure their availability for the whole duration of the interviews for that specific post

17. Process for recruitment/ appointments to the New Boards
Department of Correctional Services
Process for recruitment/ appointments to the New Boards
Regional Commissioners to short list candidates and set up interview panels and finalise selection – currently in process - interviews to be completed by 12 November 2004.
Memorandums on appointments to be finalised by the Regional Commissioners and submitted to the DC HR Management for submission to the Commissioner/ Minister – to be submitted to the Minister by 1 December 2004.

18. Process for recruitment/ appointments to the New Boards
Department of Correctional Services
Process for recruitment/ appointments to the New Boards
After approval by the Minister, the DC HR Management informs the various regions and post letters of appointment and employment contracts to the successful candidates
Successful candidates report to the various Area Commissioners to finalise appointment and facilitate the signing of the contracts as from 1 January 2005.
As interim measure until appointment of Community representatives i.e. the Chair Person and the two others have been finalised, Boards will function with appointments of acting Chair Persons

19. Comparison of the previous situation and the new situation
Department of Correctional Services
Previous situation
Chairperson
A Member of the Institutional
Committee
Vocational staff such as social
worker, psychologist (if
available)
Any person can be co-opted to give inputs regarding a specific case.
Secretary
New situation
• Chairperson (community)
• Vice Chairperson (DCS)
• 2 Members of the Community
• Member of SAPS (co-opted)
• Member of Justice (co-opted)
• Secretary (DCS)
Note: All the above members will have a vote.

20. Comparison of the previous situation and the new situation
Department of Correctional Services
Previous situation
The Board makes recommendations to the Minister or Commissioner (or delegated officials) for approval of release on parole or day parole or placement under correctional supervision
New situation
The Case Management Committee makes a submission to the Correctional Supervision and Parole Board who is independent in decision making in respect of placement on parole or correctional supervision

21. Comparison of the previous situation and the new situation
Department of Correctional Services
Previous situation
The Minister decides on parole with regards to offenders serving life imprisonment upon recommendation of the National Council on Correctional Services
( NCCS)
New situation
“Lifers” sentenced prior to the enactment of new legislation will still be referred to the NCCS. Offenders sentenced to life imprisonment after promulgation of the new legislation will be referred to the court a quo for a decision on parole

22. Comparison of the previous situation and the new situation
Department of Correctional Services
Previous situation
Victims or their next of kin may not attend hearings of the board nor may they make representations to the board
New situation
Victim or next of kin in the case of a deceased victim, may make written representation to the board or may even attend hearings of the board under certain circumstances

23. DUTIES: CHAIRPERSON Chair meetings of the Board
Department of Correctional Services
Chair meetings of the Board
Ensure meetings are properly constituted
Ensure proper recording of procedures
Ensure objective and fair application of release policy
Ensure fair representation of cases
Assist with litigation i.r.o. decisions taken by the Board
Ensure sound financial administration of the Board
Liaise with stakeholders
Manage members of the Board

24. IDEAL PROFILE: CHAIRPERSON
Department of Correctional Services
Requirements
RVQ13 plus 10 years managerial or community experience
Active involvement in community based forums
Valid code 08/ EB drivers license
Must undergo vetting process
Recommendations
Extensive life experience
Senior/ retired persons well known in the community
Proven good standing in the community
Special interest in the Criminal Justice System
Excellent communication/ interpersonal/ analytical skills
Experience as Chair Person

25. DUTIES: COMMUNITY MEMBERS
Department of Correctional Services
Attend sessions of the Board when requested
Act as facilitator of community re-integration on part of offender
Protect interests of communiy/ offender/ State
Perform tasks as determined by the board
Maintain confidentiality regarding Parole Board meetings/ decisions and documentation.

26. IDEAL PROFILE: COMMUNITY MEMBERS
Department of Correctional Services
Requirements
Literate and conversant in English or the language spoken in that area.
Proven respectable and acceptable person in community
Resident in the specific community where the Board is seated
Recommendations
Matriculation certificate
Experience in activities of community forums
Experience in meeting procedures
Special interest in the Criminal Justice System

27. APPOINTMENT CONTRACTS
Department of Correctional Services
Chair Person
Five year non-renewable contract
Full time employment
Level of Deputy Director
R per annum
Community Members
Three year non-renewable contract
Part time position
Paid per hour when attending Boards meetings
R per hour

28. CHALLENGES Departmental orders aligned with new Act.
Department of Correctional Services
Departmental orders aligned with new Act.
Framework (guidelines) for consideration dates drafted.
Duty sheets finalised.
Training manual drafted and in process of alignment with NQF Standards - to be completed before 1 January 2005.
Standardised procedures for the Boards have been drafted and are currently being finalised.

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