The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) proudly announces South Africa’s election as Chair of the African Correctional Services Association (ACSA) during the 7th ACSA Biennial Conference, currently taking place in the Kingdom of Morocco from 12 to 16 May 2025.
This significant election is a strong endorsement of South Africa’s leadership, dedication, and ongoing contributions to the development of correctional services across the continent.
National Commissioner Makgothi Samuel Thobakgale expressed gratitude for the trust placed in South Africa, pledging to lead ACSA with integrity, inclusivity, and a results-driven focus.
The ACSA Biennial Conference serves as a critical platform for collaboration among African member states, fostering the exchange of best practices, addressing common challenges, and exploring innovative correctional solutions. Participation has expanded from 24 countries at the 6th Conference to 37 at this year’s event—demonstrating growing continental commitment to collective reform and advancement in the correctional sector.
As the newly elected Chair, Commissioner Thobakgale is well-positioned to build on current momentum and drive forward ACSA’s reform agenda. Key priorities include strengthening the rehabilitative and reintegrative role of correctional systems and promoting human rights within African penal institutions.
South Africa will also host the 8th ACSA Biennial Conference in 2027—an event poised to further cement unity and collaboration across the continent. Ahead of this, Zambia will host the Ministerial Consultative Forum (MCF) in 2026. The MCF plays a vital political and strategic role, promoting high-level consensus and coordinated action to enhance prison governance and sustainable reform.
Key Resolutions Adopted at the 7th ACSA Biennial Conference Include:
- Enhancing regional collaboration for technological innovation in prison and penitentiary management.
- Promoting sustainable agriculture and food self-sufficiency through smart farming and prison-based Agri-tech hubs.
- Integrating Agri-tech vocational training into rehabilitation programmes to support inmate reintegration.
- Advancing digital and climate-resilient solutions in corrections through knowledge exchange and partnerships.
- Leveraging technology to improve wellness and public health for both inmates and correctional staff.
- Ensuring access to nutritious, culturally appropriate food for all inmates.
- Strengthening staff training and capacity building through cost-effective, technology-based solutions.
- Establishing and funding the African Correctional Training Centres Network (ACTCN) to standardise and elevate corrections training across the continent.
- Deepening partnerships with global stakeholders such as the ICRC, UNODC, and ICPA.
As Chair, South Africa is committed to reinforcing the ACSA Secretariat, ensuring effective implementation of resolutions, and championing a correctional system that is humane, professional, and focused on rehabilitation. This leadership role reaffirms South Africa’s regional influence and its enduring dedication to peace, justice, development, and social reintegration across Africa.
