This engaging session that delves into the transformative potential of offender rehabilitation and reintegration across Africa. This panel explores the evolution of approaches rooted in indigenous restorative practices, colonial legacies, and modern reforms, offering insights into the challenges and opportunities within the continent’s correctional systems.
Discover how community-based models emphasizing reconciliation, restitution, and social harmony are being re-evaluated for their relevance in addressing prison overcrowding, stigma, and post-release challenges. Through case studies and practical examples, the session will highlight African-led innovations and the growing contributions of civil society, faith-based organizations, and regional bodies like the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
Looking forward, the panel will advocate for a continental and global dialogue to develop a Model Law on Offender Rehabilitation and Reintegration. Rooted in African values of communal responsibility and restorative justice, this initiative seeks to inspire sustainable justice reforms and inclusive development.
Don’t miss this opportunity to join thought leaders and changemakers as we reimagine justice in Africa. Be part of the dialogue shaping a more humane and effective criminal justice system.
Moderated by Linda Janes, Chair, Community Corrections Network, ICPA, United States
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Sylvester Nwakuche
Controller General of Corrections, Nigerian Correctional Service, Nigeria
Mr. Syslvester Nwakuche is the Controller General of Corrections of Nigeria. He commenced his career in 1990 as an Assistant Superintendent of Corrections, progressively ascending through the ranks to become Deputy Controller General in 2020. Prior to his elevation to the rank of Controller General, Mr. Nwakuche had served as Deputy Controller of Corrections in charge of Operations, Training and Development, and Non-custodial measures. In these roles, he left a lasting mark that enhanced the quality of reformation, rehabilitation and reintegration. His academic credentials are equally impressive, holding a Bachelor’s degree in Theatre Arts from the University of Calabar in Cross River state, a Master’s in Political Science from the University of Lagos, and a Diploma in French Language. A fellow of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, he is also a recipient of the national honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR).
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Raphael Tuhafeni Hamunyela
Commissioner General, Namibian Correctional Service, Namibia
He joined the Namibian Correctional Service in 1994 and from 1994 to 1995 he worked as a shift worker at the Hardap Prison and as a probationary warder. From 1995 to 1998 he worked as a Logistics Officer, then head of all sections and then duty officer at Grootfontein Prison with the rank of Prison Officer. From 1998 to 2001, he served at the Grootfontein Prison as the head of the prisoners’ discipline office, with the rank of Senior Prison Officer. From 2001 to 2006, he was the head of the prisoners’ discipline office at Hardap Prison with the rank of Chief Prison Officer. Hamunyela was also the legal officer with the rank of Chief Prison Officer from 2006 to 2009.
In 2009 he also served as legal officer, but was promoted to Prison Superintendent. From 2009 to 2012 he served as the Head of the Division of Legal Services with the rank of Assistant Commissioner. From 2012 to 31 January 2014, before his appointment as Commissioner General in February 2014, he served in the department corporate management with the rank of Deputy Commissioner General.
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Makgothi Samuel Thobakgale
National Commissioner, Department of Correctional Service, Department of Correctional Service South Africa, South Africa
Mr Makgothi Samuel Thobakgale was appointed as acting National Commissioner of the Department of Correctional Services (DCS) on 27 September 2021. He first joined DCS in September 2020 as Chief Deputy Commissioner (CDC) responsible for Incarceration and Corrections.
Commissioner Thobakgale has vast working experience in the public sector, with more than 17 years at senior management level in different government departments. Prior to his appointment in DCS, he was Deputy Director-General: Small Harbours, State Coastal Properties Development and Special Projects in the National Department of Public Works and Infrastructure, from July 2008 to August 2020. During the same period, he was seconded as an Administrator and Accounting Officer for the North West Provincial Public Works and Roads Department under the section 100 (1) b intervention. Mr Thobakgale has also held various senior management roles in government, including:
Deputy Director-General: Project Management Office in the National Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (May 2015 – April 2018)
Acting Deputy Director-General: Construction Project Management in the National Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (May 2016 – November 2017)
Head of Department in the Department of Public Works and Roads (August 2013 – January 2015)
Acting Head of Department: Infrastructure Advisory and Support Services in the Department of Public Works, Roads and Transport (March 2012 – August 2013)
