The University of the Free State Department of Criminology has embarked on a landmark partnership with the South African Department of Correctional Services (DCS) through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This MoU marks a significant step in connecting academic research with practical implementation in the criminal justice sector, enhancing the educational experience for students while contributing to the national discourse on effective correctional practices.

This collaborative MoU, signed at Grootvlei Correctional Centre, aims to integrate the UFS' academic expertise with the operational needs of the DCS. The agreement is designed to facilitate research-driven best practices for the rehabilitation of offenders and the restoration of communities impacted by crime. By involving students and staff in practical correctional settings, the partnership seeks to produce a well-rounded understanding of the criminal justice system and foster innovations in penology and correctional care.

Objectives of the MoU

• Enhancing the research output and national standing of the UFS Department of Criminology.

For the Department of Criminology at the UFS, this MoU is pivotal. It not only enriches the academic curriculum with real-world experiences, but also positions the department as a key player in national correctional and criminal justice research. Students benefit immensely from direct exposure to correctional environments, gaining practical insights and skills that are crucial for their future careers. The DCS, on the other hand, stands to gain from the academic research and innovative practices that can be implemented to improve their services and offender rehabilitation programmes.

Highlights of the MoU Signing Ceremony

The MoU signing ceremony, held on Friday, 21 June at Grootvlei Correctional Centre, featured several key highlights:

The event was graced by the virtual presence of the DCS National Commissioner, MS Thobakgale, who emphasised the importance of practical, mutually beneficial agreements between academic institutions and government departments.

The UFS Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Prof Francis Petersen, delivered a compelling message of support, highlighting the critical need for such partnerships in advancing both academic and societal goals.

While Prof Petersen was the primary speaker from the UFS, the presence of other esteemed UFS delegates, including Dr McDonald, Prof Masoga, Prof Steyn, and Prof Malete, underscored the collective institutional support for this initiative. Their attendance highlighted the broad backing from UFS Faculty of The Humanities and the Department of Criminology, signifying a unified commitment to the success of the partnership. The participation of the DCS National Commissioner was particularly significant, reinforcing the strategic importance of the MoU for both the DCS and the UFS. His address highlighted the practical value and expected outcomes of the partnership, ensuring that the collaboration will be beneficial in terms of practical training for students and enhanced service delivery for the DCS.

The experiential learning programme is structured to provide postgraduate Criminology students with immersive experiences in correctional settings. At Grootvlei Correctional Centre and other facilities, students will assist with offender assessment and community profiling, working closely with DCS staff. This hands-on approach will enable students to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world contexts, preparing them for future roles in the criminal justice system. The programme offers invaluable opportunities for UFS Criminology students, enhancing their educational journey with practical skills and insights. All postgraduate students are eligible to participate, ensuring broad access to this unique learning experience. Looking ahead, the MoU lays the groundwork for continued collaboration between the UFS and the DCS, aligning with the strategic goals of the Department of Criminology to remain at the forefront of research and practice in corrections and criminal justice.