07 Jul 2003: Seminar: Can the Problem of Overcrowded Prisons be Solved? SEMINAR: CAN THE PROBLEM OF OVERCROWDED PRISONS BE SOLVED? Monday, 7 July 2003 (Presentation) Â Since 1999, around 20 000 offenders have been released early as one measure to reduce the tremendous overcrowding in South Africa’s prisons. Is this a good solution? What else can be done? Our prisons are overpopulated by 70% and it is estimated that by 2005, a quarter of a million people will be incarcerated. Building more prisons is unlikely to solve the problem because the prisoner population is increasing faster than the Department of Correctional Service’s capacity to hold and manage offenders. This seminar will discuss overcrowding and possible solutions. Â Speakers: Â Judge JJ Fagan, Inspecting Judge of Prisons, will discuss causes of overcrowding and measures to prevent and reduce overcrowding. Â Makubetse Sekhonyane, Senior Researcher, ISS, will discuss building prisons as a solution. Â Lucas Muntingh, Executive Director, Nicro, will discuss the extent to which reintegration programmes can help solve overcrowding, and if such programmes are possible in the current environment. Â Date: Monday 7 July 2003 Time: 10h00 – 12h00 (light lunch served afterwards) Venue: ISS, Brooklyn Court, Block C, Veale Street, Pretoria (map) RSVP: [email protected] Tel: (012) 346-9500 or fax (012) 460-0997/8
