The National Commissioner of the South African Department of Correctional Services, Mr Makgothi Thobakgale, is currently attending the Regional Conference on Prisoner Classification and the Use of Technology in Prison Settings in Africa. The Conference is taking place in Abuja, Nigeria, from 15 to 17 July 2026.
The National Commissioner is participating in his capacity as the Chairperson of the African Correctional Services Association (ACSA). He has been invited to deliver the opening remarks and provide vital strategic leadership and drive regional dialogue on prison management innovation and penal reform.
The conference serves as a key collaboration hub for African correctional leaders, policymakers, and technical practitioners to:
- Exchange practical experiences and international best practices;
- Discuss emerging trends in effective prisoner risk assessment; and
- Strengthen cross-border cooperation for integrating technology into correctional environments.
High-level Heads of Corrections and institutional representatives are in attendance from 11 African nations, including Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Gambia, Ghana, Mali, Namibia, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leonne, South Africa and Togo.
