The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) in South Africa has long been a cornerstone of the country’s criminal justice system (CJS), tasked with the rehabilitation and reintegration of offenders into society. However, the department faces significant challenges, including overcrowding in correctional facilities, a high inmate-to-officer ratio, and the need for skilled personnel to implement its Self-Sufficiency and Sustainability Strategy. In response to these challenges, the DCS has introduced the Correctional Services Learnership programme, a developmental initiative aimed at training and empowering young South Africans to become correctional officers. The 2025 intake of this programme, as discussed in a recent briefing to the Portfolio Committee on Correctional Services, represents a critical step towards addressing these issues while simultaneously tackling youth unemployment.
Overview of the Correctional Services Learnership Programme
The Correctional Services Learnership programme is a 12-month training initiative designed to equip participants with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills required to serve as entry-level correctional officers. The programme is structured into two main components: 16 weeks of theoretical training at one of the DCS’s training colleges, followed by experiential learning at various correctional centres across the country. The theoretical training covers essential subjects such as corrections, penology, criminology, and the legal framework governing the correctional system. The experiential learning component allows learners to apply their knowledge in real-world settings, preparing them for the challenges of working in correctional facilities.
The programme’s primary objective is twofold: to address youth unemployment by providing meaningful employment opportunities and to create a pool of qualified candidates for permanent positions within the DCS. By focusing on young people with a Grade 12 qualification, a National Certificate in Vocational Studies, or a Further Education and Training Certificate, the programme ensures that participants have a solid educational foundation. Additionally, the DCS prioritizes applicants with qualifications or skills relevant to corrections, penology, criminology, and the department’s Self-Sufficiency and Sustainability Strategy.
The 2025 Intake: Targets and Progress
The 2025 intake of the Correctional Services Learnership programme is one of the largest in recent years, with 6,192 learner positions available. This ambitious target reflects the DCS’s commitment to addressing the critical shortage of correctional officers and improving the inmate-to-officer ratio, which has been a persistent concern in many facilities. The recruitment process for the 2025 intake has been rigorous, with over 1.2 million applications received. Of these, 50% of the positions are reserved for applicants with a Grade 12 qualification or equivalent, while the remaining 50% are allocated to individuals with DCS-related qualifications or skills.
The selection process has been largely successful, with the DCS reporting that all centres have adhered to the established criteria. However, the committee raised concerns about allegations of tampering with physical fitness assessment results at the Kgosi Mampuru II Management Area in Gauteng. The Regional Commissioner has since referred the matter to the Inspectorate for investigation, and the assessments were repeated in early March 2025 to ensure fairness and transparency. This incident underscores the importance of maintaining the integrity of the selection process, particularly in light of past complaints about nepotism and irregularities in recruitment.
Addressing Youth Unemployment and Empowerment
One of the most significant benefits of the Correctional Services Learnership programme is its potential to address youth unemployment in South Africa. With an unemployment rate of over 60% among young people, the programme provides a much-needed opportunity for skills development and employment. By targeting individuals with a Grade 12 qualification or equivalent, the DCS ensures that the programme is accessible to a broad segment of the population, including those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
The programme also aligns with the government’s broader youth empowerment agenda, which seeks to equip young people with the skills and experience needed to participate meaningfully in the economy. For many learners, the programme represents a stepping stone to a stable and rewarding career in the public sector. Upon successful completion of the Learnership, participants are considered for permanent employment as correctional officers, providing them with long-term job security and the opportunity to contribute to the rehabilitation of offenders.
Challenges and Concerns
Despite its many benefits, the Correctional Services Learnership programme is not without its challenges. One of the most pressing concerns is the need to ensure the credibility and integrity of the selection process. As highlighted by Committee Chairperson Ms. Kgomotso Anthea Ramolobeng, the department must take strict measures to vet applicants and prevent nepotism or other forms of corruption. The allegations of tampering with fitness assessment results at the Kgosi Mampuru II Management Area serve as a reminder of the importance of transparency and accountability in the recruitment process.
Another challenge is the high dropout rate among learners, which has been a recurring issue in previous intakes. The committee has called for a detailed breakdown of the dropout rate over the years, as well as an investigation into the underlying causes. Addressing this issue will require a comprehensive approach, including improved support systems for learners, better training facilities, and more effective monitoring and evaluation mechanisms.
The Role of the Programme in Reforming the Criminal Justice System
The Correctional Services Learnership programme is not just a youth empowerment initiative; it is also a critical component of the DCS’s efforts to reform and modernize the criminal justice system. By increasing the number of trained correctional officers, the programme aims to improve the inmate-to-officer ratio, which is currently a cause for concern in many facilities. A higher ratio of officers to inmates will enhance security, reduce the risk of violence, and create a more conducive environment for rehabilitation.
In addition to addressing staffing shortages, the programme supports the implementation of the DCS’s Self-Sufficiency and Sustainability Strategy. This strategy focuses on reducing the department’s reliance on external resources by promoting self-sufficiency in areas such as food production, maintenance, and vocational training. By recruiting learners with relevant qualifications and skills, the DCS is building a workforce capable of driving this strategy forward and ensuring its long-term success.
Future Prospects and Recommendations
Looking ahead, the DCS has set an ambitious target of employing 12,950 correctional officers by 2030. Achieving this target will require the department to train approximately 3,000 learners per year, a significant increase from the current intake. However, this expansion is contingent on the availability of funding, which remains a key challenge for the DCS. The committee has emphasized the need for adequate financial resources to support the programme and ensure its sustainability.
To further enhance the effectiveness of the Correctional Services Learnership programme, the committee has recommended several measures. These include conducting regular inspections of training facilities to assess their conditions and the quality of training provided, as well as implementing stricter vetting procedures to prevent nepotism and corruption. The committee has also called for a detailed report on the investigation into allegations of tampering with fitness assessment results and the subsequent implementation of consequence management.
Conclusion
The Correctional Services Learnership 2025 programme represents a significant step forward in addressing youth unemployment, empowering young South Africans, and reforming the criminal justice system. By providing participants with the skills and experience needed to serve as correctional officers, the programme not only creates employment opportunities but also contributes to the rehabilitation and reintegration of offenders. However, the success of the programme depends on the DCS’s ability to address challenges such as nepotism, high dropout rates, and funding constraints. With the right measures in place, the Correctional Services Learnership programme has the potential to make a lasting impact on South Africa’s youth and its criminal justice system.
As the DCS Learnership 2025 intake prepares to commence on 1 April 2025, the Portfolio Committee on Correctional Services has expressed its support for the programme and its commitment to ensuring its success. By working together, the DCS, the committee, and other stakeholders can create a brighter future for South Africa’s youth and a more effective and humane criminal justice system.