NCJ Number
172075
Journal
American Jails Volume: 11 Issue: 4 Dated: (September-October 1997) Pages: 91-97
Date Published
1997
Length
7 pages
Annotation
The correctional system of the Republic of South Africa was discussed and observed in March 1997 by a delegation of eight corrections professionals, including three American Jail Association members, from the United States.
Abstract
They learned that South Africa's political structure was dominated by the apartheid system until early 1990. The country now has the task of creating a unified society. The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) is responsible for all corrections functions nationwide. All adult prisoners, including those detained pretrial, are housed together in the system's 247 prisons. The system is operating at 128 percent of its capacity of 95,000. Eighty percent of the prisons are at least 50 years old. Thirty thousand of the authorized 36,000 staff positions are filled. Correctional officers must be at least 18 years old, be a high school graduate, and have no criminal record. Preservice training last 6 months and takes place in residential staff training colleges. Staffing costs amount to 80.91 percent of the total DCS budget. Agency administrators regard the lack of constructive self-improvement programs and the idleness that results as major problems. Vocational training resources are limited. Other problems are public concerns about violent crime, the high escape rate, and gangs in prisons. The country's problems include an official unemployment rate of 50 percent and other social deficits; much of what is happening in South Africa now is typical of major societies undergoing significant transitions. Nevertheless, the correctional leaders, administrative staff, and lien personnel with whom the delegation members interacted were well qualified and moving the system in a positive direction despite significant challenges. Photographs and list of delegation members.