The National Commissioner of the Department of Correctional Services (DCS), Mr Makgothi Thobakgale, has been elected to the Board of the International Corrections and Prisons Association (ICPA) for the 2026–2030 term, marking an important achievement for South Africa.
The election took place during the ICPA Annual General Meeting at the Association’s 28th Annual Conference in Belfast, Northern Ireland taking place from 25 – 30 October 2026.
The appointment provides South Africa with an opportunity to contribute to international discussions on correctional practices, rehabilitation, human rights and public safety. It also creates a platform for sharing the country’s correctional experience and strengthening cooperation with international counterparts.
As Chairperson of the African Correctional Services Association (ACSA), National Commissioner Thobakgale also brings regional leadership experience to his new role, creating further opportunities to strengthen collaboration between African correctional institutions and international partners.
His election comes at an important time for correctional cooperation on the African continent, particularly as preparations advance for the 2027 ICPA Annual Conference in Harare, Zimbabwe.
For DCS, this achievement reflects the importance of international engagement in advancing effective and humane correctional practices. It also presents an opportunity to strengthen partnerships and contribute to the development of correctional services in Africa and beyond.