The role of transformation in the provision and maintenance of personnel in the department of correctional services : Pretoria Central Prison

Abstract

Before 1994 the Department of Correctional Services was not representative of South African demography in terms of race, gender and disability. The challenge faced by the post-1994 Department of Correctional Services was to bring about change. The Department had to accept this challenge with full awareness of past and continuing discriminatory policies and practices and inadequate service delivery (Department of Correctional Services: Equity Policy, 1999:2). This study investigated the role of transformation in the reform of policies in the provision, maintenance and education, training and development of personnel in the Department of Correctional Services: Pretoria Central Prison. A qualitative research method was used in the study. The study involved survey questionnaires, survey interviews, a review of the relevant literature on the research topic and observation. The study shows that there has been an increase in the representation of blacks (coloureds and Africans) and women in the staff at Pretoria Central Prison. It is recommended that the Prison focus on increasing the representation of Indians and disabled persons to achieve the goals of transformation even further.