REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA COMBINED SECOND PERIODIC REPORT UNDER THE AFRICAN CHARTER ON HUMAN AND PEOPLE`S RIGHTS and INITIAL REPORT UNDER THE PROTOCOL TO THE AFRICAN CHARTER ON THE RIGHTS OF WOMEN IN AFRICA assessment of sentenced offenders. Rehabilitation is facilitated from the point of entry/ admission to release and integration back into the community. During this process the focus is on correcting of offending behaviour, needs-based interventions and the development of each offender. To facilitate these processes, a comprehensive Offender Rehabilitation Path (ORP) was developed. Legislative and policy measures to strengthen the parole system 73. The Correctional Matters Amendment Act, 201154was put in place with the aim of improving the DCS administration in key business areas, resulting in a strengthened parole system, a new medical parole system; and improved management of remand detainees. 74. As part of transforming our parole and social reintegration systems, the Electronic Monitoring of Parolees system was implemented in February 2012. This system alleviates the challenges of parolees absconding from the system of community corrections while also reducing the risk of recidivism. On 24 February 2012, the first Halfway House for parolees was launched in Naturena (Gauteng Region). This event introduced a whole new era in the DCS with regard to assisting offenders with their social reintegration. Halfway Houses assist offenders who do not have a fixed and monitorable address to have a stable home environment.55 75. The Electronic Monitoring Pilot Project has proven to be effective, efficient and relevant to the broader goals of DCS and the JCPS cluster. It costs the taxpayer R9 876, 35 per month to keep an inmate in custody, whilst electronic monitoring costs R3 379 per month. Electronic monitoring enables officials to monitor offenders throughout 24 hours a day. Alerts are immediately generated, and transmitted, should an offender commit any violation. Interference with the equipment, including tampering or failing to charge the receiver, is electronically relayed to the control room.56 Measures to improve health care services to inmates 76. Other challenges to be addressed in correctional services include corruption, maintaining safe custody, strengthening rehabilitation programmes and high levels of gang-related violent crimes in prison. Importantly, concerted efforts have been channelled towards the provision of health care services to inmates. Care services are aimed at the well-being of the inmates. In addition  All inmates undergo a general health assessment on admission;  Awareness sessions, training for officials and isolation facilities are in place to manage and prevent the spread of communicable diseases;  Inmates are provided with nutritionally balanced meals, and therapeutic diets are available for those who require them;  The number of natural deaths in detention has declined, and 54 Act No 5 of 2011 DCS Annual Report 2011/2012 56 DCS Annual Report 2012/2013 55 25