9.1 CMCs play a critical role in ensuring that inmates are adequately prepared for their parole hearings. Currently the CMC-to-inmate ratio is 1: 960, with each CMC comprising a chairperson, four clerks and one secretary. According to information provided by the national office, only the Eastern Cape, Western Cape, Free State/Northern Cape regions had CMC structures, while the remaining three regions improvised by using custodial staff to perform CMC duties. The information further indicates that, of the 1 275 funded CMC posts, only 1 132 had been filled by 31 July 2011. The Committee strongly recommends that the CMC structure be reviewed, so as to ensure that CMC distribution matches the distribution of the inmate population, and that those appointed are adequately trained and experienced to execute their duties.