1.1 This report comprises four parts: an introduction, the background to the visits, the visiting delegation's observations, and lastly the Portfolio Committee on Correctional Services' (the Committee) recommendations. 1.2. The Committee undertook a week-long oversight visit to correctional centres in the Gauteng, North West, KwaZulu Natal and Northern Cape provinces in August 2010. Given the serious challenges raised on previous visits it was agreed that the National Commissioner for Correctional Services and senior managers responsible for the Corrections and Care and Development programmes should accompany the delegation. 1.3 The report was compiled drawing on observations made during the oversight visit, information gathered during meetings at Parliament, interactions with the Portfolio Committee on and Department of Public Works (DPW), as well as a questionnaire filled out by heads of centres prior to the visits. 1.4 The report should be read along with the Report of the Portfolio Committee of the Portfolio Committee on Public Works, which details maintenance-related and DPW- specific recommendations. 1.5 Upon adoption, the report will be submitted to the DCS, DPW and Judicial Inspectorate for Correctional Services (JICS) for comment and implementation.