Correctional Services Contact details

If you need to get in touch with the Department of Correctional Services (DCS) in South Africa, there are several ways to do so. Whether you’re seeking information, lodging a complaint, or need assistance with any matter related to correctional facilities in the country, this comprehensive guide provides the most up-to-date contact details for the DCS.

1. General Contact Information

  • Call Center: For general inquiries or assistance, you can contact the DCS call center at 0860 000 327. This is the primary number for reaching out to the department for a variety of services.
  • Email: For complaints, inquiries, or any other matters, you can email the DCS at enquiry.complaints@dcs.gov.za. This is the department’s dedicated email address for communication.
  • Website: For additional information or to access online services, visit the official DCS website at dcs.gov.za. The website provides a wealth of resources, including links to their services and contact forms.
  • Create a Ticket: If you need to report an issue or track a complaint, you can create a ticket on the DCS’s contact page. Visit dcs.gov.za/contactcentre to submit your request.

2. Regional Contact Numbers

If you prefer to contact the DCS by phone based on your region, here are the regional contact numbers:

  • Gauteng: Call (012) 663 7521 for DCS services in Gauteng.
  • Free State: Reach the Free State office at (051) 430 1954.
  • KwaZulu-Natal (KZN): For KZN, dial (031) 366 1900.
  • Eastern Cape: The Eastern Cape office can be contacted at (043) 722 2729.
  • Western Cape: For assistance in the Western Cape, call (021) 421 1012.

3. Anti-Corruption Hotline

If you wish to report any form of corruption or unethical behavior within the DCS, you can use the Anti-Corruption Hotline at 0800 701 701. This service is vital for promoting accountability within the correctional system.

4. Postal and Physical Address

  • Postal Address:
    Private Bag X136, Pretoria, 0001
  • Physical Address:
    Poyntons Building, corner of WF Nkomo and Sophie De Bruyn Streets, West Block, Pretoria, 0001.

If you need to send official mail or visit the DCS, use the physical address for in-person inquiries.

5. Postal Telephone Numbers

For additional postal inquiries, the DCS can be reached via the following numbers:

  • 012 307 2998
  • 012 307 2999

These numbers can be used for postal-related queries or further clarification on services offered.

Overview of Public Universities in South Africa

Here's an overview of some public universities in South Africa, including general admissions requirements and estimated application periods. Keep in mind, specific program requirements and dates can vary significantly, so it's important to check each university's official website for the most current information.

University of Pretoria

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with minimum scores in specific subjects related to the chosen program; for international students, equivalent qualifications.
  • Application Period: Usually opens in March and closes at the end of July for most programs.

University of Cape Town

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with pass levels required for degree study; subject-specific requirements depending on the program.
  • Application Period: Application opens in April and closes at the end of July.

Stellenbosch University

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required marks; some programs have additional testing.
  • Application Period: Opens in March and typically closes at the end of June.

University of the Witwatersrand

  • Admissions Requirements: Matriculation certificate with university exemption; required scores vary by faculty.
  • Application Period: Begins in March and ends on the 30th of September.

University of Johannesburg

  • Admissions Requirements: Matric exemption with a minimum APS score; specific subject requirements based on the faculty.
  • Application Period: Opens in April and generally closes by the 30th of September.

University of the Free State

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific marks for the program applied to; additional requirements for certain courses.
  • Application Period: Typically opens in April and closes at the end of August.

University of Venda

  • Admissions Requirements: Completion of the National Senior Certificate with an endorsement for diploma or degree studies; specific APS scores needed.
  • Application Period: Usually from May to September.

University of Fort Hare

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with university exemption; certain programs may have specific requirements.
  • Application Period: Opens around May and closes at the end of September.

University of the Western Cape

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific performance levels; additional requirements for certain programs.
  • Application Period: Generally from May to September.

North-West University

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with university exemption; program-specific requirements may apply.
  • Application Period: Opens in March and usually closes by the end of August.

Rhodes University

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate or equivalent; minimum academic performance in certain subjects.
  • Application Period: Applications open in April and close at the end of September.

Nelson Mandela University

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required scores for chosen programs; portfolio or additional tests for some faculties.
  • Application Period: Opens in April, with a deadline at the end of August for most programs.

Cape Peninsula University of Technology

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific scores; additional requirements for certain courses.
  • Application Period: Opens in May and typically closes by the end of September.

University of Limpopo

  • Admissions Requirements: Senior Certificate with endorsement for diploma or degree courses; specific APS scores for different programs.
  • Application Period: From April to September.

University of Zululand

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with an endorsement for bachelor’s degree studies; specific score requirements for various programs.
  • Application Period: Usually between April and November.

Central University of Technology

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific scores for the chosen field of study; additional criteria for certain programs.
  • Application Period: Application period generally starts in May and ends in October.

Vaal University of Technology

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with a pass that qualifies for admission to bachelor’s degree, diploma, or higher certificate programs.
  • Application Period: Typically from May to September.

Walter Sisulu University

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required scores for chosen programs; additional criteria for certain faculties.
  • Application Period: From April to September.

This list provides a starting point for understanding the admissions landscape across South Africa's diverse higher education institutions. Given the variability in programs and requirements, it's crucial to consult each university's website for the most accurate and up-to-date information.