Correctional Services hosts UNODC Executive Director at Nelson Mandela Rules Academy, 9 Nov

The National Commissioner of Correctional Services, Mr Makgothi Samuel Thobakgale, will on Monday, 9 November 2026, host the Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations and Executive Director of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Ms Monica Juma, during an official visit to the Nelson Mandela Rules Academy at Drakenstein Correctional Centre. 

The visit will provide Ms Juma with an opportunity to gain first-hand insight of the Nelson Mandela Rules Academy, which was launched earlier this year with technical support from UNODC.  

The Academy serves as an important platform for advancing knowledge, promoting best practices and strengthening the implementation of international standards on the treatment of incarcerated persons. 

The engagement will also provide an opportunity for Correctional Services and UNODC to deliberate on the implementation of the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners, commonly known as the Nelson Mandela Rules.  

Furthermore, discussions will explore practical opportunities to deepen international and regional cooperation in prison and penal reform, rehabilitation, professional training and institutional capacity-building. 

Details of the visit are as follows: 
Date: Monday, 9 November 2026  
Venue: Nelson Mandela Rules Academy, Drakenstein Correctional Centre  
Time: 11h00  

Enquiries: 
Singabakho Nxumalo
Cell: 079 523 5794 
E-mail: Singabakho.Nxumalo@dcs.gov.za 

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