The South African government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cooperation in correctional services with Namibia to advance the interstate transfer of sentenced offenders.
In a statement on Friday, the Ministry of Correctional Services said the MoU marks the second agreement paving the way for the future transfer of sentenced offenders between countries, building on the recent agreement concluded with Botswana.
“Transfers will, however, only become possible once the necessary enabling legislation is in place. The Bi-National Commission undertook that the South African legislative enabling tool is to be concluded by mid-2027,” the Ministry said.
To this end, proposed amendments to the Correctional Services Act have been drafted and are currently before the National Council for Correctional Services (NCCS) for comment and input, after which the formal parliamentary process will commence.
The MoU was signed by Minister of Correctional Services Dr Pieter Groenewald and Namibia's Minister of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security, Lucia Iipumbu, during the Fourth Session of the South Africa–Namibia Bi-National Commission.
The agreement establishes a framework for technical cooperation between the Department of Correctional Services and the Namibian Correctional Service across several areas.
“Engagements with foreign nationals in the correctional system indicate that many prefer to serve their sentences in their countries of origin, as family and community support are integral parts of rehabilitation.
“A subsequent reduction in the offender population benefits South Africa by easing budgetary pressure associated with incarceration costs,” the Ministry said.
The Minister welcomed the positive support for the initiative from the Portfolio Committee on Correctional Services and noted the backing it has received across party lines.
“I hope that this support will translate into the swift passage of the amendments through Parliament. This amendment to the Act will bring much-needed solutions to the challenges facing the department,” Groenewald said. -SAnews.gov.za
