The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) has embarked on a major reform of South Africa’s parole system, aimed at improving its effectiveness, transparency, and inclusivity. As part of this drive, the DCS has established a dedicated Task Team to review the current parole system and produced a draft position paper outlining proposals for a revised and more responsive framework.
Several “quick wins” have already been implemented based on early findings from the review process. These include the introduction of a compulsory Restorative Justice programme, the development of a decision-making tool to support Correctional Supervision and Parole Boards (CSPB), and the adoption of enhanced Risk and Probability Reports to better inform parole decisions. These initiatives aim to address longstanding shortcomings and to streamline parole processes in line with international best practice.
The draft position paper is not intended to be final, and rather, serves as a platform for discussion and broad consultation with stakeholders across the criminal justice and social development sectors. The department has engaged extensively with both internal and external role-players, culminating in a roundtable discussion attended by organisations including Sonke Gender Justice, the South African Police Service (SAPS), African Criminal Reform, Nirco, and the Wits Justice Project. The recommendations and inputs gathered from these engagements have been incorporated into the updated draft document, now titled A Revised Parole System for South Africa.
The DCS plans to present the position paper to Cabinet during 2025, marking a key milestone in the reform agenda. To further support and validate the review process, the department, together with the Department of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation (DPME), is undertaking an extensive Evaluation Exercise. This evaluation, involving academic experts in the correctional services sector, aims to critically assess the current parole system and recommend evidence-based improvements. It is expected to be completed by the end of the 2026/27 financial year.
Financial constraints, however, have posed challenges. The DCS research unit was allocated only R360,000 for this project, insufficient for a full evaluation. Consequently, the department has partnered with academic institutions and the DPME to ensure the evaluation is thorough and robust, albeit over a longer period.
Parallel to its review of parole mechanisms, the DCS has strengthened its commitment to victim participation in the parole process. Supporting the Government’s broader Victim Empowerment Programme (VEP), the department has put in place formal procedures to facilitate and encourage victim involvement during parole deliberations.
In accordance with Section 75(4) of the Correctional Services Act, 1998, and Section 299A of the Criminal Procedure Act, 1977, victims of specific serious crimes are entitled to be consulted before parole decisions are made. These crimes include murder, rape, armed robbery, kidnapping, sexual assault, trafficking in persons, and certain domestic violence offences. Victims are notified well in advance, at least 30 days prior to the Parole Board meeting, and provided with clear information on how to submit their representations, the format of the proceedings, and the potential influence their views may have on the outcome.
In cases where the primary victim has been murdered, immediate family members are recognised as victims and afforded the same rights to participate. Importantly, victims of crimes not listed under section 299A are also permitted to make representations, with the Correctional Supervision and Parole Boards required to consider their submissions unless compelling reasons exist to decline.
To promote healing and community reintegration, the DCS has also expanded its Restorative Justice programme, which includes Victim-Offender Dialogues (VOD) and Victim-Offender Mediation sessions. These processes aim to repair the harm caused by crime by fostering dialogue between offenders, victims, families, and communities. Restorative Justice is now recognised as a critical component of offender rehabilitation, and the Correctional Services Act mandates that restorative justice needs must be assessed for each sentenced offender shortly after admission.
Through these comprehensive reforms, the Department of Correctional Services seeks to build a parole system that is not only more just and efficient but also places victims’ rights and community healing at its core.
