The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) is inviting applications from suitably qualified and experienced South African professionals to serve as Community Members of the Correctional Supervision and Parole Boards. The appointments are intended for individuals with relevant qualifications and experience in criminal justice, community development, social sciences, policing or human rights.
The Minister of Correctional Services is making these appointments in terms of Section 74 of the Correctional Services Act, Act 111 of 1998. Successful candidates will serve for a period of five years, or for another period determined by the Minister in accordance with the Act.
These opportunities are available across Gauteng, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, North West and Western Cape. Retired professionals who meet the requirements are encouraged to apply.
About the Correctional Supervision and Parole Board
The Correctional Supervision and Parole Board is an independent body responsible for assessing offenders and making decisions about their possible release into the community. Its central responsibility is to protect the public by considering whether an offender can be safely reintegrated into society.
Board members participate in hearings and contribute to decisions based on relevant legislation, rehabilitation progress, risk assessments, public safety and the interests of victims and communities.
Serving as a Community Member therefore requires sound judgement, integrity, confidentiality and an understanding of the criminal justice system.
Why Apply to Become a Parole Board Community Member?
This appointment provides experienced professionals with an opportunity to contribute to public safety, rehabilitation and community reintegration.
Community Members play an important role in ensuring that parole decisions are objective, fair and consistent with the applicable release policy. They also help ensure that community interests and the rights of offenders are considered during the decision-making process.
The opportunity may be particularly relevant to retired professionals and individuals with substantial experience in criminal justice, social development, policing and related disciplines.
Department of Correctional Services Community Member Vacancies 2026 Overview
| Vacancy Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Department | Department of Correctional Services |
| Position | Community Member |
| Board | Correctional Supervision and Parole Board |
| Appointment Period | Five years, or as determined by the Minister |
| Remuneration | Monthly rates under Category D, Sub-category D1 |
| Minimum Qualification | Recognised degree or national diploma |
| Required Experience | 5 years |
| Application Method | Online |
| Closing Date | 16 November 2026 |
| Closing Time | 15:45 |
Available Positions and Reference Numbers
The advertised opportunities are distributed across the following regions and correctional facilities:
1. Gauteng Region
| Centre | Reference Number |
|---|---|
| Baviaanspoort | GP 2026/10/10 |
| Boksburg | GP 2026/10/11 |
| Johannesburg | GP 2026/10/12 |
| Kgoši Mampuru II | GP 2026/10/13 |
| Leeuwkop | GP 2026/10/14 |
| Zonderwater | GP 2026/10/15 |
2. Limpopo, Mpumalanga and North West Region
| Centre | Reference Number |
|---|---|
| Klerksdorp | LMN 2026/10/06 |
3. Western Cape Region
| Centre | Reference Number | Posts |
|---|---|---|
| Brandvlei | WC 2026/10/12 | 1 |
| Breede River | WC 2026/10/13 | 1 |
| Goodwood | WC 2026/10/14 | 1 |
| Pollsmoor | WC 2026/10/15 | 1 |
| West Coast | WC 2026/10/16 | 2 |
The West Coast opportunity has two available posts. Applicants should use the reference number corresponding to their preferred centre when completing their applications.
Minimum Requirements and Qualifications
Candidates interested in serving as Community Members must meet the following requirements:
Educational Qualifications
Applicants must possess a recognised degree or national diploma in one of these fields:
- Criminal Justice.
- Community Development.
- Social Science.
- Policing.
- Human Rights or a related field.
Relevant Work Experience
- At least five years of experience in community development work and/or criminal justice.
- Previous experience in a decision-making capacity will be an added advantage.
- Retired professionals are encouraged to apply, provided they meet the appointment requirements.
Important Eligibility Consideration
Applicants who retired from the Public Service with a specific determination that they may not be reappointed, or who were declared medically unfit, will not be considered.
Required Competencies and Personal Attributes
The Department is looking for individuals who can make impartial decisions and engage professionally with different stakeholders.
Applicants should demonstrate:
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Client orientation and customer focus.
- Problem-solving and analytical abilities.
- Sound decision-making skills.
- Integrity and honesty.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality.
- Good interpersonal relations.
- Understanding of the Parole Board System.
A strong understanding of criminal justice procedures, rehabilitation and community safety is particularly important for individuals serving on the Board.
Duties and Responsibilities of Community Members
Successful candidates will participate in Parole Board hearings and contribute to the Board’s decision-making responsibilities.
Their duties will include:
1. Participating in Parole Board Hearings
Attend and participate in hearings, contributing to decisions concerning the possible release of offenders in accordance with applicable legislation and release policies.
2. Supporting Community Reintegration
Act as facilitators of community reintegration by considering the circumstances and conditions that may affect an offender’s return to society.
3. Protecting Community and Public Interests
Consider and protect the interests of the community, offenders and the State while ensuring that public safety remains central to parole decisions.
4. Ensuring Fair and Objective Decisions
Support the objective and fair application of the release policy by considering relevant information and circumstances during the decision-making process.
5. Maintaining Confidentiality
Protect confidential information relating to Parole Board meetings, decisions and documentation.
6. Performing Additional Board Duties
Carry out other duties and ad-hoc responsibilities as determined by the Board.
Understanding the Parole Board Decision-Making Process
The Department highlights the importance of informed and responsible decision-making. Board members must consider several factors when assessing cases, including:
- The rights of offenders under relevant legislation.
- Calculation of the minimum detention period.
- Understanding of the criminal justice value chain.
- Court papers, sentencing remarks and copies of judgments.
- Warrants of detention.
- Relevant case law.
- SAP 69 and SAP 62 records.
- Reports prepared by Department of Correctional Services professionals.
- The offender’s rehabilitation process.
- Risk assessment information.
- Empathy towards victims and affected communities.
- Public safety and the potential impact of release.
Applicants should understand that the role involves more than attending meetings. It requires careful consideration of legal, rehabilitation, risk and community-related information before contributing to Board decisions.
Remuneration and Term of Office
Community Members will serve for a period of five years, or for another period determined by the Minister in line with Section 74(7) of the Correctional Services Act, Act 111 of 1998.
Members will be remunerated at monthly rates based on Category D, Sub-category D1, under the remuneration framework for statutory boards as defined by National Treasury.
The advertisement does not specify a fixed rand amount. Applicants should refer to the applicable National Treasury remuneration rates for further information.
How to Apply for Department of Correctional Services Community Member Vacancies 2026
Interested and suitably qualified candidates must submit their applications online through the Department of Correctional Services recruitment portal.
Application portal: https://careers.dcs.gov.za/
Applicants must follow these instructions:
- Access the official DCS recruitment portal.
- Locate the Community Member vacancies for the Correctional Supervision and Parole Board.
- Select the relevant region and correctional centre.
- Complete the prescribed Z83 Public Service application form in full.
- Attach a detailed CV that clearly demonstrates how your qualifications and experience meet the advertised requirements.
- Ensure that the correct reference number is used for the selected position.
- Submit the completed application through the online portal before the deadline.
Important application instructions:
- Applications must be submitted online.
- Emailed, posted or hand-delivered applications will not be considered.
- Only the completed Z83 form and detailed CV should be attached at the application stage.
- Shortlisted candidates will be required to submit certified copies of qualifications and other relevant documents, not older than six months, on or before the interview date.
- Candidates must ensure that their CVs clearly reflect their compliance with the advertised requirements and responsibilities.
- Applicants who previously applied for re-advertised positions must submit new applications.
Closing date: 16 November 2026 at 15:45.
Enquiries and Contact Details
Applicants may contact the relevant regional officials for further information.
Gauteng Region
- Ms Mongwai EN: (012) 420 0174
- Ms Feni SAP: (012) 420 0173 / (012) 420 0179
Limpopo, Mpumalanga and North West Region
- Mr Buthelezi Z: (012) 306 2025
- Ms Nomvela PM: (012) 306 2033
- Ms Lekhuleni TD: (012) 306 2034
Western Cape Region
- Ms NA Mdladlamba: (021) 550 6014
- Ms A Reddy: (021) 559 7929
- Mr S Sikisazane: (021) 558 0108
- Ms NC Sotyibi: (021) 558 0518
Important Notes for Applicants
The Department will conduct further verification checks on shortlisted candidates. These may include:
- Security clearance and security vetting.
- Qualification verification.
- Criminal record verification.
Appointment will be subject to positive outcomes from the required checks. Persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
The Department of Correctional Services also reserves the right not to fill the advertised positions. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted during the selection process.
Tips to Strengthen Your Application
- Ensure that your degree or national diploma is in one of the specified or related fields.
- Clearly demonstrate at least five years of relevant community development and/or criminal justice experience.
- Highlight any previous experience involving leadership, professional judgement or decision-making.
- Explain your understanding of the criminal justice system, rehabilitation and community reintegration.
- Demonstrate your ability to handle sensitive information with integrity and confidentiality.
- Tailor your CV to the duties and requirements of the Community Member position.
- Double-check the reference number and selected correctional centre before submitting your application.
- Complete the Z83 form accurately and submit your application through the official online portal.
Final Thoughts
The Department of Correctional Services Community Member Vacancies 2026 offer experienced professionals an opportunity to contribute to parole decision-making, rehabilitation and public safety in South Africa. The five-year appointments are available across Gauteng, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, North West and Western Cape.
Candidates with the required qualifications, five years of relevant experience and a strong understanding of criminal justice are encouraged to apply. Submit your completed Z83 form and detailed CV through the official DCS recruitment portal before 16 November 2026 at 15:45.
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