22 June 2006
The acting head of the Judicial Inspectorate of Prisons, Judge Nathan
Erasmus, had his first meeting since his appointment with the National
Commissioner of Correctional Services Linda Mti and his Executive Management
Committee in Pretoria today.
Sharing his vision, Judge Erasmus said he is excited about the assignment
given to him and has no time to waste but to ensure significant changes for the
good of South Africa.
Judge Erasmus said many challenges facing the department âstart somewhere
elseâ and would âengage other playersâ such as Safety and Security, Social
Development and Justice to ensure that appropriate decisions were made to avoid
sending thousands to incarceration for absolutely petty offences. He reassured
the Commissioner that challenges facing the department can be overcome.
He highlighted a number of initiatives already started to address weaknesses
of the criminal justice system including:
* Training of judicial officers on appropriate alternative sentencing in a
manner that deals effectively with deviant behaviour;
* Improving access to legal representation by even the poorest of the poor
through among others mobilising the Legal Aid Board and the General Council of
the Bar to dedicate resources to address these issues;
* Restructuring the office of the Inspecting Judge to sharpen the value it adds
to the administration of justice and protection of human rights in the country;
and
He committed himself to be part of the solution and to strengthen democratic
institutions of the country.
Clearly moved by the Judgeâs articulation of the issues confronting
Corrections, Commissioner Mti described his inputs as âdynamic and excitingâ
with a promise to work together âto take the department to greater heights.â He
said, had the Judge taken the position about five years ago, Corrections would
have travelled miles towards the ideals outlined in the White Paper.
The Department briefed the Judge on various interventions that made a
difference which include fighting corruption, new policy on social
re-integration and a new approach to the management of awaiting trial
detention. The management also shared challenges faced including the inability
to retain special skills such as pharmacists and doctors, while in terms of
legislation purchase and dispensing of medicine should be done by qualified
medical practitioners.
The Management expressed its commitment to ensure that âwe benefit from the
oversight of our Departmentâ by Inspecting Judge Erasmus and has committed
itself to ensure that all managers and correctional officials act on
recommendations of the Inspecting Judge to advance justice and the
implementation of the White Paper.
Enquiries:
Manelisi Wolela
Cell: 083 626 0304
Issued by: Department of Correctional Services
22 June 2006
Source: Department of Correctional Services (http://www.dcs.gov.za/)
