THE PROS AND THE CONS: Public-private partnerships (PPP) in South African prisons

Abstract

A decision to introduce new generation prisons, based on the concept of unit management, was aimed at easing overcrowding and promoting the rehabilitation of offenders. The two new privately run prisons in South Africa are based on this concept, and have been in operation for a little over a year. It is too early to say much about their effectiveness and the performance of their staff, but a visit reveals well-run and well-managed facilities which bode well for the Department of Correctional Services (DCS). Nonetheless, within government there seems to be some dissatisfaction with the private prisons.