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Correctional Services Act, 1998 (Act No. 111 of 1998)

Chapter IV : Sentenced Offenders

37. General principles

 

1) In addition to the obligations which apply to all inmates every sentenced offender must-
a) participate in the assessment process and the design and implementation of any development plan or programme aimed at achieving the said objective; and
b) perform any labour which is related to any development programme or which generally is designed to foster habits of industry, unless the correctional medical practitioner or psychologist certifies in writing that he or she is physically or mentally unfit to perform such labour.

 

1A) In order to furnish sentenced offenders the opportunity to comply with the obligations contemplated in subsection (1), the Department must, as far as it is possible, apply a management regime which consists of-
a) good communication between correctional officials and inmates, which is understood by everyone;
b) team work;
c) direct, interactive supervision of inmates;
d) assessment of sentenced offenders;
e) needs-driven programmes for sentenced offenders in a structured day and correctional sentence plan;
f) the provision of multi-skilled staff in an enabling and resourced environment;
g) a restorative, developmental and human rights approach to sentenced offenders; and
h) delegated authority with clear lines of accountability

 

2) In addition to providing a regime which meets the minimum requirements of this Act, the Department must seek to provide amenities which will create an environment in which sentenced offenders will be able to live with dignity and develop the ability to lead a socially responsible and crime-free life.

 

3) All such amenities must be prescribed by regulation and as far as possible be available to all sentenced offenders unless, for economic or other practical reasons, such amenities can be introduced in some correctional centres only, in which case, their partial introduction should be on a non-discriminatory basis.

 

4) In addition to the general purpose stated in section 22, the disciplinary system for sentenced offenders shall have the particular aim of promoting self-respect and responsibility on the part of such offenders.