Staff Reporter.
The Department of Justice and Correctional Services said on Saturday that 1068 newly appointed correctional officers will report for duty on Monday after they completed a learnership programme.
“The 1 068 new recruits will commence their duties on Monday. They are a second group of learners to be absorbed, following the absorption of the first group of 923 learners in June this year. The DCS (Department of Correctional Services) committed to reprioritise its budget to enable the absorption of these learners,” the department said in a statement.
“They are employed [in] permanent security vacant posts across all the six regions of the department. The new recruits will enhance the security capacity of the department and contribute towards reducing workforce shortages.”
Media Advisory| For Immediate Use
31 July 2021| Lamola welcomes 1068 new correctional officials pic.twitter.com/pnaOENgd3n— Ministry of Justice and Correctional Services ?? (@Min_JCS) July 31, 2021
Lamola is expected to welcome them at the Modderbee prison in eastern Johannesburg.
The added capacity comes after Lamola welcomed the appointment of 158 magistrates.
Of the 158 new appointments, 104 are African, 23 are Coloured, eight are Indian and 23 are White. In terms of gender, 88 are female and 70 male.
In terms of the Regulations for Judicial Officers in the Lower Courts, 1993, all newly appointed magistrates must, before commencing with the functions of a judicial officer, attend a course by the South African Judicial Education Institute (SAJEI).
It is envisaged that the course will take place during October 2021.