The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) has opened applications for Community Board Member vacancies for 2026, providing experienced professionals with an opportunity to contribute directly to South Africa’s parole system and offender rehabilitation process.
Unlike many government vacancies, these positions are not traditional full-time employment opportunities. Instead, successful candidates will serve as members of Community Corrections and Parole Boards, helping to make important decisions regarding offenders’ placement, parole, and reintegration into society.
If you have experience in criminal justice, community development, policing, social sciences, or human rights, this could be an opportunity to use your professional knowledge to strengthen public safety while promoting fair and balanced decision-making.
Applications close on 20 July 2026 at 15:45, so interested applicants should begin preparing their documents as soon as possible.
Quick Overview
- Employer: Department of Correctional Services (DCS)
- Position: Community Board Member
- Salary: Monthly remuneration based on Category D, Sub-category D1 of National Treasury’s remuneration framework for statutory boards.
- Closing Date: 20 July 2026 at 15:45
- Employment Type: Statutory Board Appointment
- Reference Numbers: Multiple vacancies across three regions
What Does a Community Board Member Do?
Many people assume this is an administrative position.
It is much more than that.
Successful applicants become part of a decision-making panel that evaluates whether offenders are suitable for parole or community correction programmes.
Their responsibilities include:
- Participating in Parole Board hearings
- Assessing offender rehabilitation
- Protecting community interests
- Considering victim concerns
- Applying parole legislation fairly
- Promoting offender reintegration
- Maintaining confidentiality
- Participating in Board discussions
- Carrying out additional tasks assigned by the Board
Every decision must balance rehabilitation with public safety.
Available Vacancies
Free State and Northern Cape Region
- Bizzah Makhate – Ref No: FSNC 2026/07/16
- Goedemoed – Ref No: FSNC 2026/07/17
- Groenpunt – Ref No: FSNC 2026/07/18
- Kimberley – Ref No: FSNC 2026/07/19
Limpopo, Mpumalanga and North West Region
- Barberton – Ref No: LMN 2026/07/07 (2 Posts)
- Bethal – Ref No: LMN 2026/07/08 (2 Posts)
- Polokwane – Ref No: LMN 2026/07/09 (2 Posts)
- Rooigrond – Ref No: LMN 2026/07/10 (2 Posts)
- Rustenburg – Ref No: LMN 2026/07/11 (2 Posts)
- Thohoyandou – Ref No: LMN 2026/07/12
- Witbank – Ref No: LMN 2026/07/13 (2 Posts)
Western Cape Region
- Allandale – Ref No: WC 2026/07/07
- Brandvlei – Ref No: WC 2026/07/08
- Drakenstein – Ref No: WC 2026/07/09
- Overberg – Ref No: WC 2026/07/10
- Southern Cape (George) – Ref No: WC 2026/07/11
Who Should Apply?
The Department is looking for experienced professionals with strong judgement, integrity and community leadership.
Applicants must possess a recognised:
- Degree or
- National Diploma
in one of the following fields:
- Criminal Justice
- Community Development
- Social Sciences
- Policing
- Human Rights
- Other closely related fields
Minimum Requirements
Applicants must have:
- A recognised Degree or National Diploma
- At least 5 years’ experience in:
- Community Development; or
- Criminal Justice
- Strong communication skills
- Sound decision-making ability
- Integrity and honesty
- Confidentiality
- Good interpersonal skills
- Client orientation
- Problem-solving ability
- Understanding of the Parole Board System
Previous experience in a decision-making position will be an added advantage.
Importantly, the Department specifically encourages retired professionals to apply.
This creates an excellent opportunity for retired magistrates, police officials, social workers, correctional officials, community development practitioners and experienced public servants who wish to continue serving their communities.
Skills That Will Help Your Application
Although not compulsory, candidates with experience in any of the following areas may be competitive:
- Social work
- Community leadership
- Victim support
- Law enforcement
- Criminal justice administration
- Rehabilitation programmes
- Restorative justice
- Human rights advocacy
- Public administration
Salary
Successful Community Board Members will receive:
Monthly remuneration based on Category D, Sub-category D1 of the remuneration framework for statutory boards as determined by National Treasury.
Since this is a statutory board appointment, remuneration differs from the standard government salary scales used for permanent public service positions.
How to Apply
Applications must clearly indicate:
- The position applied for
- The correct reference number
- A comprehensive CV aligned with the advertisement requirements
Candidates should ensure that their CV demonstrates how they meet every minimum requirement.
Application Addresses
Free State and Northern Cape Region
The Regional Commissioner
Free State and Northern Cape
Recruitment Section
Private Bag X20530
Bloemfontein
9300
Hand Delivery:
103 Zastron Street
Agrimed Building
Bloemfontein
9300
Limpopo, Mpumalanga and North West Region
The Regional Commissioner
Limpopo, Mpumalanga & North West
Recruitment Section
Private Bag X142
Pretoria
0001
Hand Delivery:
Corner Johannes Ramokhoase (Proes) Street & Paul Kruger Street
196 Masada Building
9th Floor
Pretoria
0001
Western Cape Region
The Regional Commissioner
Western Cape
Recruitment Section
Private Bag X14
Goodwood
7459
Hand Delivery:
Peninsula Drive
Monte Vista
7460
Online Applications
Applications for these vacancies may also be submitted online through the Department of Correctional Services Careers Portal.
Website: https://careers.dcs.gov.za/
Enquiries
Free State and Northern Cape
- Ms Mokuni NJ
- Ms Molutsoane N
- Ms Radebe T
- Ms Ramncwana B
Telephone: 082 306 9027
Limpopo, Mpumalanga and North West
- Mr Buthelezi Z – (012) 306 2025
- Ms Nomvela PM – (012) 306 2033
- Ms Lekhuleni TD – (012) 306 2034
Western Cape
- Ms NA Mdladlamba – (021) 550 6014
- Ms A Reddy – (021) 559 7929
- Mr S Sikisazane – (021) 558 0108
- Ms NC Sotyibi – (021) 558 0518
Tips for a Strong Application
Before submitting your application:
- Use the correct reference number.
- Tailor your CV to match the advertised duties.
- Highlight your decision-making experience.
- Include community development achievements.
- Demonstrate leadership experience.
- Proofread your application carefully.
- Submit before the closing date.
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Edupstairs Advice
Community Board Member appointments are among the most meaningful opportunities available within South Africa’s criminal justice system. While these are not conventional office-based jobs, they provide experienced professionals with the chance to influence rehabilitation outcomes, promote justice, and help protect communities.
If you meet the qualification and experience requirements, take time to customise your CV so that it clearly demonstrates your knowledge of community development, criminal justice, leadership, and decision-making. Since Board Members participate in sensitive parole decisions, applicants who can demonstrate integrity, impartiality, and sound judgement are likely to stand out.
Do not wait until the last day to apply. Gather all required documents early, verify that you have quoted the correct reference number, and submit your application well before the closing deadline.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is this a permanent government job?
No. These are statutory board appointments where members participate in Parole Board decision-making.
- Can retired professionals apply?
Yes. The Department specifically encourages retired professionals to submit applications.
- What qualifications are accepted?
A recognised Degree or National Diploma in Criminal Justice, Community Development, Social Sciences, Policing, Human Rights or a related field.
- How much experience is required?
A minimum of five years in Community Development and/or Criminal Justice.
- Can I apply online?
Yes. Applications may be submitted through the Department of Correctional Services online careers portal or delivered to the relevant regional office.
- When is the closing date?
Applications close on 20 July 2026 at 15:45.
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Disclaimer
This article is intended to help readers understand the advertised opportunity. Recruitment decisions, remuneration, eligibility requirements, and appointment processes remain solely the responsibility of the Department of Correctional Services. Applicants should always refer to the official vacancy advertisement and careers portal before submitting an application.
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