South Africa’s parole system is set for further reform after Correctional Services Minister Pieter Groenewald raised concern about high-risk offenders being recommended for release.

Groenewald told Parliament on Tuesday that serious weaknesses remain in the system, including cases where offenders considered at high risk of reoffending are still recommended for parole. EWN reported that he described this as unacceptable.

High-risk parole decisions questioned

Groenewald said he had raised his concerns with the National Council for Correctional Services, particularly around repeat offending and decisions involving violent offenders.

The Department of Correctional Services is reviewing the parole system as part of a broader overhaul aimed at strengthening decision-making and supervision.

Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Correctional Services confirmed this week that the department briefed MPs on reforms to the national parole system, including changes to parole boards and measures intended to improve how cases are considered.

Parole boards face major vacancies

Parliament said 52 Correctional Supervision and Parole Boards operate nationally, but significant vacancies remain.

As of September 2026, 17 chairperson posts, 15 vice-chairperson posts and 41 community-member positions were vacant.

Committee chairperson Kgomotso Ramolobeng said reforms must translate into practical improvements so boards can sit, consider cases and make credible decisions without unnecessary delays.

The department has also finalised revised five-year contracts and a new code of conduct for parole board members.

Electronic monitoring to return

EWN reported that the department also plans to reintroduce electronic monitoring for new parolees as part of the reform process.

Parliament has previously raised concerns about the supervision of parolees and the capacity of community corrections, including staffing and monitoring challenges.

The first draft of a Correctional Services Amendment Bill also proposes bringing more full-time professionals into parole board structures, including psychologists, social workers, criminologists and legal experts.

For Groenewald, the central concern remains public safety and reducing the risk of repeat offending.

The reforms are still being developed, while Parliament says it will continue monitoring whether changes produce a more effective and reliable parole system.