Every Offender has the Right to Conditions of Detention that are Consistent With Human Dignity , Adequate Accommodation, Food Edible for Human Consumption and Medical Treatment

WICC2025 Presentation by Adv. Patricia Masinga-Thobejane and Dr Zodwa Mosoma PhD (WICC2025-PID014)

Authors

Adv. Patricia Masinga-Thobejane

Head of Female Prison, Department of Correctional Services South Africa

Advocate P Masinga-Thobejane is a Woman in a key position as Head of first ever gender responsive centre for women in conflict with the law in South Africa,matriculated in 1998 due to her outstanding results, she earned a scholarship to further her studies at the University where she completed her Bachelor in Edu with 12 distinctions.Her career in DCS took off in 2002 completed LLB in 2014, with a massing 27 distinctions ,did her Practical Legal Training in 2015.2016 was admitted as an Advocate ,currently studying Masters in Law.Adv. Masinga’s was promoted to the position of Head in 2019 until to date ,she is managing facility with an approved accommodation of 546 inmates.Since the launching centre is responding to the specific needs of women as they have the added burdens of inadequate mental health care and being separated from their children its another contributing factor ,hence we try by all means necessary to engage on justice cluster meeting for alternatives than incarcerating women ,with courts for case reviews that could help with regards to non custodial measures.We equip with skills that will transform their lives to re-enter society successfully.We are committed in responding to the specific needs of women in such a way that their period of incarceration is conducive to their rehabilitation, development and reintegration upon their release,correctional programmes is prioritized Adv. is very passionate about championing women empowerment and making a positive change in society.Adv. says her life is centred on the principles of humanity, humility, respect& knowledge.

Dr Zodwa Mosoma

Acting Deputy Commissioner, Department of Correctional Services, South Africa

Dr Zodwa Mosoma is the Acting Deputy Commissioner providing strategic support in the Director-General / Head of Department Office. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work (Walter Sisulu University, 1999), a Postgraduate Diploma in Monitoring and Evaluation Methods (University of Stellenbosch, 2013), Masters and PhD in Social Work (University of Pretoria, 2009 and 2015 respectively).

The work that she does involves research, policy development, implementation, programme design and development, monitoring and evaluation as well as provision of training on development related issues to various stakeholders. Thus, from such exposure; she has developed very strong policy analysis skills, research skills, monitoring and evaluation skills as well as capacity building skills. Since 2013, she has been involved in facilitating the development and implementation of rehabilitation and social re-integration programmes for offenders.

Dr Mosoma has also been serving as a member of the advisory panel to the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services which is the National Council of Correctional Services (NCCS), considering parole placement of offenders back to society, post incarceration. Her most recent trainings include Training on the United Nations Standard Rules for the Treatment of Women Prisoners and Non-custodial Measures for Women Offenders (the Bangkok Rules) and creening, Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) and Alcohol, Smoking and
Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST) Tools.

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