Progress: Implementation of Correctional Supervision and Parole Boards Building a caring correctional system that truly belongs to all Presentation to Port Folio Committee 5 September 2006

PURPOSE To provide an overview of progress with the implementation of Correctional Supervision and Parole Boards.

BACKGROUND New Parole Boards (52) were established in terms of section 74 of the Correctional Services Act, 111 of 1998 on 1 October 2004. Initially members of the DCS were appointed on interim basis as Chairpersons in order to ensure compliance with the Act until suitable members from the community could be appointed. The majority of the Chairpersons were appointed in July 2005 and were welcomed into the Department by the Minister and senior members of the department during a national orientation session held at Boksburg on 25/ 26 July 2005

COMPOSITION OF BOARDS Chairperson – Member from Community Vice Chairperson – Member of DCS to be replaced by member from the Community. Secretary – member of the DCS. Two members from the Community (part time). Member of SAPS. Member of Justice. Quorum = 3 members (one of which must be the Chair of Vice)

RESPONSIBILITY/ FUNCTIONS The primary task of the Parole Board is the responsible consideration and approval/ disapproval of placement of offenders under correctional supervision on day parole parole and medical parole The granting of special remission of sentence to offenders for meritorious conduct. Making recommendations to the Minister and Court a Quo regarding offenders sentenced to life imprisonment and those declared as dangerous criminals.

TRAINING During 4 one week sessions a total number of 86 Chairpersons and Vice Chairpersons were trained from August 2005 to November 2005. Training covered inter alia the following areas: Administrative Law Offender rehabilitation path Functions of Parole Boards Parole Board procedures including the hearing Complainant involvement Parole policies Societal responsibility of Parole Boards Etc.

VACANCIES - Chairpersons The following Chairperson posts are currently vacant and were advertised: GAUTENG Krugersdorp, Baviaanspoort, Pretoria, Leeuwkop, Modderbee, Boksburg EASTERN CAPE Lusikisiki, Sada FREESTATE/ NORTHERN CAPE Kimberley, Goedemoed KWAZULU/NATAL Ncome, Empangeni, Kokstad, Glencoe LIMPOPO/ MPUMALANGA/ NORTH WEST Rooigrond WESTERN CAPE Pollsmoor, Voorberg, Helderstroom (Overberg)

VACANCIES – Chairpersons Continued Gross lists are being finalized: target date: 15 September 2006 Regions will ensure that members of the Portfolio Committee or the Select Committee are invited to form part of both the short-listing and interviewing of prospective candidates.

VICE CHAIRPERSONS All current Vice Chairpersons (members of the DCS) will be replaced by members from the community Full time contract appointment 3 to 5 year contract Was advertised in various news papers and Parole Boards were also requested to distribute adverts to local community structures. Office of Inspecting General also distributed the adverts to the IPVs. Closing date for adverts is 11 September 2006

COMMUNITY MEMBERS Only the following community member posts were registered at HR for advertising: Gauteng: Leeuwkop, Boksburg Regions have however again been requested to identify vacant community member posts and to register it for advertisement: due date: 8 September 2006.

REVIEW BOARD Was launched on 4 May 2006 Had 4 sittings Dealt with 6 cases Reasons placed before the Review Board Procedures not followed. 4 cases relate to seriousness of crime and inadequate time for effective rehabilitation One as a result of a representation by a complainant

PAROLE BOARD FACILITIES Facilities plans for Parole Boards were standardised R12.4 mil has been made available to start with Parole Board facilities in the current financial year.

LAYOUT PAROLE BOARD FACILITIES

CHALLENGES The following challenges have been identified by the DCS and are being addressed Inadequate reports by CMCs. Differentiation of roles between DCS officials and Parole Boards. Review process and procedures of Review Board (NCCS). Quality of decisions taken by Parole Boards. Filling of vacancies. Recruitment and training of new Vice Chairpersons. Training for Secretaries and Clerks. Marketing of Complainant Involvement in Parole Boards. Monitoring of Parole Board decisions to build case profiles.

Building a caring correctional system that Thank you Building a caring correctional system that truly belongs to all