Department of Correctional Services

About the Department of Correctional Services

The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) is the national government department that runs South Africa's correctional centres. Its work rests on the Correctional Services Act of 1998. The department keeps inmates in safe custody, and it also aims to rehabilitate them and prepare them to return to society. Its head office is the Poyntons Building at 124 WF Nkomo Street in Pretoria, and the switchboard number is 012 307 2998.

Running correctional centres takes far more than security staff. The department also needs nurses, doctors, psychologists, social workers, educators, engineers, auditors and IT specialists. Therefore, it has used bursaries to bring in people with these skills.

The DCS bursary

The most recent bursary call we could verify was for the 2023 academic year. It funded study in many fields. Examples include agricultural science, criminology, education, finance and logistics, information technology, nursing, occupational health and safety, penology and correctional services, psychology, security management and supply chain management. It also covered artisan and engineering studies and, at degree level, medicine and surgery.

That call was open to South African citizens with Matric or an NCV Level 4 certificate. Applicants had to be aged 18 to 35 and unemployed, unless they were already DCS employees. They also had to show financial need and could not receive support from another institution. Students with disabilities were encouraged to apply.

How applications worked

Applicants downloaded the DCS bursary form and completed it in full. Every supporting document was compulsory. These included a certified ID, a certified Matric or NCV certificate, proof of acceptance on institution letterhead, a course curriculum, a course fee outline and a full academic record if already studying. Applications with missing items could be disqualified.

Forms were delivered by hand to the Poyntons Building East Block in Pretoria or posted to Private Bag X136, Pretoria 0001. The department did not accept emailed applications. The call we verified closed on 14 October 2022, and late applications were refused.

Who benefits most

The programme suits young people who want a career in public service. A bursary of this kind opens doors for students from households that cannot pay for tertiary study. It also helps the department fill hard-to-recruit posts in health care, education and engineering. If you are unsure whether your qualification fits, compare it with the field list in the most recent call.

What to check first

The published listings do not say what the bursary pays for, and they do not describe a work-back obligation. Ask both questions in writing before you accept an award. Most government bursaries of this kind involve a contract, so read it closely.

Bursary calls from this department are not guaranteed every year, and the fields and closing dates change. Before you spend money on certified copies, check the official DCS website or phone the department to confirm that a call is currently open.