Original scientific paper

Restorative Justice Education Programmes in South African Prisons: The Experience of Phoenix Zululand Facilitators

Patrick Bashizi Bashige Murhula orcid.org/0000-0001-8694-9003 ; University of the Free State, Department of Criminology, South Africa *

* Corresponding author.

Abstract

The contemporary notion of restorative justice began to emerge during the 1970s and 1980s, a period characterised by a growing recognition of the need to reform criminal justice systems that have traditionally prioritised punishment over the rehabilitation of offenders and the reconciliation between offenders and victims. This study investigates the experiences of facilitators at Phoenix Zululand, who implement restorative justice education programmes within correctional facilities. It evaluates the effectiveness of these programmes and examines the challenges facilitators face in their implementation. Using a qualitative research approach grounded in an interpretivist framework and utilising a phenomenological research design, the study involved 10 participants who were selected through a purposive sampling technique. Data analysis was conducted using the thematic analysis technique. The findings indicate that facilitators possess a generally positive perspective regarding restorative justice education programmes in South Africa’s correctional facilities, noting benefits for both their professional growth and the rehabilitation of offenders. Nonetheless, challenges were identified, including limited access to facilities and gender dynamics affecting female facilitators. These findings emphasise the critical need for effective policy implementation of restorative justice principles within the correctional system.

Keywords

Education; Inmates; Prison; Recidivism; Rehabilitation; South Africa;

Hrčak ID:

345076

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/345076

Publication date:

3.3.2026.

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