Belfast:Department of Correctional Services (DCS) Commissioner, Makgothi Thobakgale, has been elected to the Board of the International Corrections and Prisons Association (ICPA) during the Association's 28th Annual Conference held in Belfast, Northern Ireland.

According to South African Government News Agency, this election took place during the ICPA Annual General Meeting this week. It marks a significant achievement for South Africa, providing an opportunity for the country to contribute to international discussions on correctional practices, rehabilitation, human rights, and public safety.

The DCS highlighted that Thobakgale's appointment allows South Africa to share its correctional experiences and enhance cooperation with international counterparts. The election comes at a critical time as preparations are underway for the 2027 ICPA Annual Conference, which will be held in Harare, Zimbabwe.

For the Department of Correctional Services, this achievement underscores 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. Thobakgale's term on the board is from 2026 to 2030.