VICE-CHAIRPERSON 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

This vacancy invites suitably qualified and experienced individuals to serve as Vice-Chairperson of the Correctional Supervision and Parole Board, an independent statutory body established under Section 74 of the Correctional Services Act, Act 111 of 1998. The appointment carries a term of office of five years, or such period as the Minister may determine in line with the Act, and the successful candidate will be remunerated on a monthly basis according to the National Treasury’s prescribed rates for statutory board members at category D, sub-category D1. Positions are available at multiple correctional centres across the Eastern Cape, Gauteng, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, North West, and Western Cape regions, and this is a re-advertisement, meaning that candidates who applied previously must submit fresh applications to be considered.

The core purpose of the Parole Board is to protect the public by rigorously risk-assessing offenders to determine whether they can be safely released into the community. In the absence of the Chairperson, the Vice-Chairperson assumes full responsibility for chairing meetings, signing official documents, and leading the board’s decision-making processes. This involves analysing and evaluating information from diverse sources, including electronic records, paper documents, and oral evidence presented at hearings, in order to identify continuing risk or dangerousness in individual offender cases. The role requires applying sound knowledge and judgement to decide whether an offender may be released, and where release is appropriate, recommending suitable conditions. The Vice-Chairperson participates actively in hearings, collaborates with fellow board members in assessing evidence, and formulates concise, structured summaries of relevant factors to support decisions or recommendations. Additional duties include contributing to report writing, assisting the Chairperson in drafting reasoned recommendations, and serving as an effective ambassador for the Parole Board at hearings and other official events.

Candidates must hold a recognised NQF level 7 qualification in a criminal justice field, social sciences, or a related discipline, and must demonstrate at least three years of supervisory or community leadership experience, together with active involvement in community-based structures. A proven special interest in the criminal justice system, a commitment to corruption-free administration, and good standing within the community with extensive life experience are essential. Decision-making requires an understanding of the rights of offenders under relevant legislation, calculation of minimum detention periods, the criminal justice value chain, court papers, sentencing remarks, judgments, warrants of detention, case law, and reports from Department of Correctional Services professionals, as well as insight into rehabilitation processes, risk assessment, victim and community empathy, and public safety considerations.

Applicants who have retired from the Public Service with a determination that they cannot be re-appointed, or who have been declared medically unfit, will not be considered. Appointment is subject to positive outcomes on security clearance, security vetting, qualification verification, and criminal record checks. Shortlisted candidates must submit certified copies of qualifications and related documents, and CVs should be aligned to demonstrate compliance with the advertisement’s requirements. Persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply, and the Department reserves the right not to fill these posts.