JICS is an autonomous government entity whose mandate is to uphold and protect the rights of inmates through independent oversight over DCS. JICS reports to the President, Minister of Justice and Correctional Services and to the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee by submitting quarterly and annual reports, as well as inspection reports.
Â
Inspection Facilitation: JICS plays a pivotal role in conducting the inspection of correctional centres, ensuring that the conditions and treatment of inmates are in alignment with legal and constitutional standards. Through the inspections, JICS contributes to a system that promotes transparency and accountability.
This Charter sets out the standard of service you can expect from the staff of JICS in the offices and at service points/correctional centres.
This Charter does not cover services and professional functions provided by non-governmental and community level organizations.
Responsive oversight
protecting human dignity.
To independently monitor conditions and uphold human rights for all in the correctional environment without fear, favour or prejudice.
The CSA is the primary statute that applies to inmates. It is supplemented by regulations and orders.
The Act is supported by the values and purports of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996. DCS is guided by two strategic documents that inform the human rights philosophy behind the operations of the department.These are the policy papers on corrections, White Paper on Corrections in South Africa, 2005 and the White Paper on Remand Detention Management in South Africa, 2014.
The CSA empowers JICS to inspect and report on conditions of detention and the treatment of inmates at correctional facilities, conduct investigations and handle inmate complaints.
This ensures that conditions of detention and the treatment of inmates comply with legal and constitutional standards and promotes transparency and accountability.
The Judicial Inspectorate is mandated to ensure that the correctional environment in SA upholds human dignity, fair treatment, and equality to ensure the transition back to society that contributes to socio-economic upliftment.
Respect
Equality
Accountability
Dignity
Independence
Fairness
Integrity
Professionalism
Accountability
Legality
The mandate of JICS is to inspect or arrange for the inspection of correctional centres and remand detention facilities in order to report on the treatment of inmates in correctional centres and on conditions and any corrupt or dishonest practices in correctional centres and remand detention facilities.
Corporate Services comprises of three Sub-Directorates, namely, Human Resources, Information Technology, and Communications & Media. It is through these components that the Unit is able to provide the much-needed resources and functions to support JICS’s pursuit of outcomes.
Legal services offer professional guidance and representation to address various legal needs for individuals and organizations.
JICS manages public services to resolve disputes within correctional facilities, ensuring accessible support and collaborating with other departments to uphold inmates' human dignity.
JICS is an independent oversight body tasked with overseeing the correctional operations of the Department of Correctional Services and protecting the rights of all incarcerated persons. JICS reports to the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Correctional Services and the Minister of Correctional Services.
349 Witch-Hazel Avenue, Eco-Origin Park – Block C3, Highveld, Centurion, 0157
Email: Complaints@jics.gov.za
Phone: (012) 321 0303