The Minister of Correctional Services, Dr Pieter Groenewald, led a heartfelt farewell ceremony for the Inspecting Judge of Correctional Services, Justice Edwin Cameron, at the Kgoši Mampuru II Correctional Facility on Wednesday, 03 December 2025. Colleagues and members of the judiciary gathered to honour Judge Cameron, who will officially retire from the Judicial Inspectorate for Correctional Services (JICS) on 31 December. Inspecting Judge Cameron’s 5-year tenure started in January 2020.
The atmosphere was one of deep respect and gratitude, with Deputy Chief Justice Dunstan Mlambo and Justice Jody Kollapen among those celebrating the legacy of an exceptional leader and steadfast advocate for justice.
In his address, Minister Groenewald struck a bittersweet tone, expressing honour at being part of the event while lamenting the departure of a true champion for the department and for human rights.
“It is an honour for me to be invited to this function. It is a joyful event, but there is also a sad side to it because we are losing,” said Minister Groenewald. “Normally, the majority of people look forward to the date when they will go on retirement, but when it comes to Judge Cameron, it’s different.”
The Minister praised Judge Cameron’s exemplary conduct and impactful tenure. “I came to know of Justice Cameron through the media, and from what I have learned here, you are known for the right reasons. When it comes to human rights, you are a champion because you strongly believe in that,” Minister Groenewald stated. “I want to thank you because you set a good example. I have come to know you as someone who listens attentively and gives sound counsel.”
Highlighting a key initiative, the Minister pointed to Judge Cameron’s instrumental role in establishing a bail fund. “He started the bail fund – very important because we have about 3,000 remand detainees in our facilities who cannot afford a bail of R1000 or less,” Dr Groenewald explained. “The initiative was taken by Judge Cameron to say, let’s start the bail fund, not using taxpayers’ money. Let’s get the private sector involved.”
Minister Groenewald concluded with a heartfelt tribute and a call for continued service. “I thank you, not only on behalf of Correctional Services, but I also thank you on behalf of the communities and the people of South Africa for the good work you did, and you are still going to continue to do.”
In his own remarks, Justice Edwin Cameron expressed profound gratitude to the JICS team. “The debt I owe to all JICS employees is absolutely enormous; they are the hardest workers,” he said. He underscored the critical role of the Independent Correctional Centre Visitors (ICCVs), who provide vital reports on conditions within correctional facilities, from hunger strikes to overcrowding. “We know that the overcrowding problem is tragically chronic and overwhelming, but the regional managers work so closely with the ICCVs,” he noted, detailing the structured reporting chain to management and Parliament.
Reflecting on his time at JICS, Justice Cameron spoke of both joy and challenge. “We have had fun, passionate exchanges, and disruptive arguments, but the colleagues have lodged themselves deeply in my heart.”
The ceremony served as a powerful acknowledgement of Justice Cameron’s transformative work, emphasising his unwavering commitment to human rights, correctional services reform, and the dignity of all individuals within the correctional system. His legacy, particularly through initiatives like the bail fund and the rigorous inspection regime, sets a formidable standard for future guardians of justice and correctional oversight.