Report on the evaluation of the Independent prison visitors (IPV) system

Abstract

This report on the IPV system forms part of a larger study into civilian oversight of the correctional system. Saras Jagwanth has completed an evaluation of the Office of the Inspecting Judge, which should be read in conjunction with this report. Oversight of public functions, duties, and institutions can take many forms. In South Africa, the executive branch of government has great power and this must be held in check in order to make it accountable to the citizens of the country. Our Constitution provides a clear mandate to Parliament, specifically the National Assembly, to oversee the executive. There are also other bodies that play an oversight and monitoring function, namely, the so-called Chapter Nine institutions such as the South African Human Rights Commission and the Gender Commission. In addition, civil society can play an important role in monitoring the actions of the executive and the legislature and in holding both organs of state accountable.