Department of Correctional Services (DCS)
National Department · Justice and Protection Services
The Department of Correctional Services is responsible for the custody, care and rehabilitation of sentenced offenders and remand detainees, and for the supervision of people serving community sentences and parole.
It operates under the Correctional Services Act, 1998 (Act No. 111 of 1998), which frames imprisonment around humane detention and the correction of offending behaviour rather than punishment alone. Its work covers secure custody, health and nutrition, education and skills training, psychological and social work services, and reintegration support on release.
Correctional Services became a standalone department after the 2024 election, having previously shared a ministry with justice and constitutional development. Independent oversight of conditions of detention is exercised by the Judicial Inspectorate for Correctional Services.
Audit record, 5 years
Leadership, 30 listed
- Minister
- Dr Petrus Johannes Groenewald
- Deputy Minister
- Ms Leonah Lindiwe Ntshalintshali
- National Commissioner
- Mr Makgothi Samuel Thobakgale
- Chief of Staff
- Mr Bruce Sarela
- Chief Financial Officer
- Mr Lebogang Marumule
- Chief Deputy Commissioners
- Ms L Bond Justice Edwin Cameron Mr KJ Katenga Mr E Maponya Ms AN Molepo Ms Cynthia Ramulifho Mr GE Wilson
- Regional Commissioners
- Adv Patrick Mashibini Ms Subashini Moodley Mr Lucky Mthethwa Mr M Nxele Mr Tlabo Thokolo Adv C Williams-Paulse
- Senior Management
- Adv Ayesha Johaar
- Communications Officers
- Mr Logan Maistry Ms Delsy Moraba Mr Sechaba Mphahlele Ms Singabakho Nxumalo Mr Chrispin Phiri Mr Gabriel Seakamela Mr Mfuzo Zenzile
- Secretaries
- Mrs Audrey Mahlalela Ms Jamela Mhlarhi Ms Patience Mokgokong Ms Ingrid Mothiba
Entities reporting to this one, 1
Description written for this directory from the entity’s own published sources: www.dcs.gov.za, www.gov.za