The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has taken a significant step towards bolstering regional peace and security by developing a Regional Guideline on Intelligence Management in Correctional Services. A three-day regional workshop was held in Johannesburg, Republic of South Africa, from 17 to 19 September 2026. The workshop brought together technical experts from SADC Member States to share experiences and develop practical approaches to intelligence management within correctional services.
Senior Superintendent Melusi Hlanze from His Majesty’s Correctional Services (Kingdom of Eswatini) officially opened the workshop, representing the current Chair of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation. Hlanze highlighted the importance of prevention, early warning, and timely intervention in maintaining regional peace and stability. Effective early warning systems rely on the identification of emerging risks, responsible information management, and cooperation among security institutions.
Correctional services play a vital role in the broader security sector, and strengthening intelligence management within these institutions is crucial for national and regional stability. The workshop acknowledged that correctional institutions contribute to public safety by providing valuable intelligence on emerging security threats. Correctional facilities are strategically positioned to detect indicators of radicalisation, organised criminal networks, and other threats with implications beyond prison walls.
The workshop aimed to promote a coordinated and professional approach to intelligence management in correctional services. Participants discussed the need for common standards on intelligence collection, analysis, sharing, and protection. Country experiences were shared, highlighting existing institutional frameworks, gaps, and good practices in intelligence handling.
Discussions also covered the importance of aligning intelligence management with human rights standards and national laws. The Regional Guideline on Intelligence Management in Correctional Services seeks to ensure that correctional institutions contribute to informed decision-making and the broader SADC peace and security agenda.
The workshop recognised the critical role of correctional services in maintaining stability at national and regional levels. Effective management of intelligence within correctional institutions is essential for identifying emerging security threats and strengthening national and regional early warning systems.
By advancing a more coordinated approach to intelligence management, SADC aims to enhance public safety and promote regional peace and security. The Regional Guideline on Intelligence Management in Correctional Services will serve as a framework for SADC Member States to strengthen their correctional services and contribute to the region's overall security.
Key points
- SADC convenes workshop to develop Regional Guideline on Intelligence Management in Correctional Services
- The guideline aims to promote a coordinated and professional approach to intelligence management in correctional services
- The workshop recognised the critical role of correctional services in maintaining stability at national and regional levels
