NCJ Number
206983
Date Published
2003
Length
110 pages
Annotation
In order to better understand the operation and influence of race within the South African penal system, provide recommendations and suggestions for the advancement of anti-racism, and contribute to ensuring that the penal system reflects equality and human dignity, this book examines racism and discrimination within the South African penal system.
Abstract
South Africa has had a long history of discrimination based on race. During the apartheid era, the South African Government was seen as flagrantly discriminating and implementing policies on the basis of race in the interests of White supremacy. This report attempts to examine some of the implications of the new Constitution and democracy for the South African correctional services and whether the prison system has changed from one that was inherently racist, to one that is respectful of the principles of equality and human dignity. The report begins by exploring the impact of past injustices on the South African penal system, race and the administration of justice, and a general overview of the South African penal system. The report continues with an examination of prison conditions under apartheid. A statistical analysis was conducted on the numbers of people sentenced to imprisonment in order to determine whether there was racial bias in sentencing or release from prison. Data were examined from 1989 and from 1994.The report concludes with an examination of race and discrimination, in relation to staff and prisoners within three South African prisons (Pollsmoor, Boksburg, and Krugersdorp). It was found that racial dynamics were more overt in relationships between staff and prisoners, which had the potential to disrupt prison management and lead to the unequal treatment of prisoners by staff of different races. Evidence suggests that staff and prisoners experienced some difficulties in learning to live and work together. However, it could be argued that this was probably no more or less than would be experienced by people in the rest of society. Recommendations are presented to address the resolution of tensions, which if left unresolved could lead to serious racial tension or conflict, as well as difficulties in managing the prison administration and staff. References