COMMUNITY MEMBER Term of office will be for a period of five (5) years or as may be determined by the Minister in line with Section 74 (7) of the Correctional Services Act, Act 111 of 1998.

The Department of Correctional Services is inviting suitably qualified and experienced individuals to apply for appointment as Community Members of the Correctional Supervision and Parole Board. This is a statutory appointment made by the Minister of Correctional Services in terms of Section 74 of the Correctional Services Act, Act 111 of 1998, and the term of office runs for five years or as otherwise determined by the Minister. The Parole Board functions as an independent body with the central purpose of protecting the public by conducting risk assessments on offenders and deciding whether they can be safely released into the community. As a Community Member, you will play a meaningful role in the criminal justice value chain, contributing to decisions that balance public safety, the rights of offenders, and the interests of victims and the broader community.

To be considered for this position, applicants must hold a recognised degree or national diploma in Criminal Justice, Community Development, Social Science, Policing, Human Rights, or a related field. In addition, at least five years of experience in community development work and/or the criminal justice sector is required. Previous experience in a decision-making capacity will be an advantage, and retired professionals are strongly encouraged to apply. However, individuals who have retired from the Public Service with a specific determination that they cannot be re-appointed, or who have been declared medically unfit, will not be considered. Candidates must also demonstrate key competencies including communication, client orientation and customer focus, problem solving and analysis, decision making, integrity and honesty, confidentiality, good interpersonal relations, and a sound understanding of the Parole Board system.

The core duties of the role involve attending and actively participating in Parole Board hearings in a decision-making capacity. Members are expected to act as facilitators of community reintegration for offenders, while simultaneously protecting the interests of the community, offenders, and the state. The role requires the objective and fair application of release policy, taking into account factors such as the offender’s minimum detention period, court papers, sentencing remarks, judgments, warrants of detention, case law, and reports from Department of Correctional Services professionals. Members must also understand the rehabilitation process, risk assessment, victim and community empathy, and public safety considerations. Additional responsibilities include performing ad-hoc tasks as determined by the Board and ensuring strict confidentiality regarding Parole Board meetings, decisions, and documentation.

These positions are available at various correctional centres across the Gauteng Region, the Limpopo, Mpumalanga and North West Region, and the Western Cape Region, with multiple posts advertised. The role is remunerated on a monthly basis according to the National Treasury rates for statutory boards, specifically category D, sub-category D1. Applicants should note that this is a re-advertised post, and those who previously applied must re-apply. Shortlisted candidates will be required to submit certified copies of qualifications and related documents, and appointment is subject to security clearance, security vetting, qualification verification, and criminal record checks. Persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply, and the Department reserves the right not to fill these posts. This is a unique opportunity for individuals committed to justice, rehabilitation, and community safety to contribute at a high level within South Africa’s correctional system.