Contemporary corrections in South Africa after more than a decade of transformation

Abstract

South Africa entered its second decade as a democracy. During this period the State was obliged to transform in various areas of Government. The process of transformation was eagerly implemented and executed in the Department of Correctional Services. This Department is a major role-player in the criminal justice system. Responsibilities span over a large front and include the management of persons awaiting trial, sentenced offenders who are imprisoned, those sentenced to community corrections, and offenders who were released on parole. This article investigates that process of transformation. Particular areas of investigation include, inter alia, the reasons for transformation, Constitutional and other legal influences, personnel issues, prison crowding, management philosophies, privatisation of State assets, and dealing with HIV/AIDS. The investigation highlights successes in transformation, but also deals with areas where transformation could have been more successful. The discussion is regarded important for understanding progress and obstacles experienced by societies in transition.