Regional Commissioner – Department of Correctional Services (Ref No: HO 2026/07/03)
- Location: Free State and Northern Cape Region, South Africa
- Employer: Department of Correctional Services (DCS)
- Position: Regional Commissioner
- Reference Number: HO 2026/07/03
- Job Type: Permanent
- Salary: R1 919 241 per annum (All-Inclusive Salary Package)
Job Overview
The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) is seeking an experienced and visionary Regional Commissioner to provide strategic leadership for the Free State and Northern Cape Region. This Senior Management Service (SMS) position is responsible for overseeing regional correctional operations, ensuring effective service delivery, offender rehabilitation, public safety, and sound governance in line with national legislation and departmental objectives.
The successful candidate will lead regional operations, manage key stakeholders within the Criminal Justice System, and ensure the efficient management of human, financial, and physical resources.
About the Department of Correctional Services
The Department of Correctional Services is responsible for contributing to a safer South Africa through the secure detention, rehabilitation, and successful reintegration of offenders into society. The Department is committed to promoting human dignity, public safety, accountability, and effective correctional services in line with constitutional values.
Key Responsibilities
The Regional Commissioner will:
- Provide strategic leadership and overall management of regional correctional services.
- Ensure the effective, efficient, and economical management of regional operations.
- Oversee offender care programmes that promote health and personal wellbeing.
- Manage offender development and rehabilitation programmes.
- Direct the delivery of correctional programmes aimed at changing offending behaviour.
- Oversee security services to ensure the safety of staff, offenders, service providers, visitors, and departmental facilities.
- Manage aftercare and offender reintegration programmes.
- Coordinate and strengthen partnerships within the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security (JCPS) Cluster and other stakeholders.
- Implement effective enterprise risk management practices.
- Manage regional human resources, financial resources, assets, and organisational performance.
- Ensure compliance with departmental policies, legislation, and governance requirements.
Minimum Requirements
Applicants must possess:
- A postgraduate qualification (NQF Level 8) in:
- Public Administration
- Law
- Criminology
- Social Sciences
- Or an equivalent qualification recognised by SAQA.
- A Senior Management Service (SMS) Certificate issued by the National School of Government (NSG) (required before appointment).
- 8–10 years’ senior management experience.
- A valid driver’s licence.
- Computer literacy.
Knowledge Requirements
Candidates should demonstrate knowledge of:
- The South African Correctional Services System.
- The Criminal Justice System.
- Public Service legislation and policies.
- The Public Service Act and Regulations.
- The Public Finance Management Act (PFMA).
- The Correctional Services Act 111 of 1998, as amended.
- Public sector governance and accountability principles.
Required Skills and Competencies
The ideal candidate should possess:
- Strategic leadership and decision-making abilities.
- Financial management expertise.
- Programme and project management skills.
- Change management and organisational transformation experience.
- People management and employee empowerment.
- Policy development and implementation skills.
- Risk management and corporate governance knowledge.
- Strong negotiation and conflict resolution skills.
- Excellent verbal and written communication abilities.
- Problem-solving and analytical thinking.
- Stakeholder engagement and relationship management.
- Diversity management and interpersonal skills.
- High levels of integrity, confidentiality, diplomacy, and accountability.
Salary and Benefits
The successful candidate will receive:
- Salary: R1 919 241 per annum (All-Inclusive Salary Package).
- Opportunity to serve in one of the Department’s most senior regional leadership positions.
- The chance to contribute to the development of safer communities through effective correctional services.
Application Process
Interested applicants who meet the requirements should submit their applications quoting the correct reference number.
Reference Number (Free State and Northern Cape): HO 2026/07/03
Enquiries
- Ms TP Ngobeni: (012) 305 8589
- Ms NS Khumalo: (012) 307 2174
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.