This article gives an overview of diversity in the South African Department of Correctional
Services and how it challenges the ministry of chaplains. The diversity is manifest in the
religious affiliations of inmates, crime categories, various categories of offenders, and
programmes and services as unpacked in this article. This article precisely aims to shed light
on how the chaplaincy functions within the framework of corrections in South Africa and how
the diversity of the inmates’ population impacts on its theory and praxis. The Authors delineate
the role that chaplains have to play to remain relevant to the correctional environment and
accentuate the required empathic and non-judgmental stance by spiritual care personnel.
Religious flexibility and adaptability is essential, as chaplains are managers of all religious
activities. The article provides solid insights into what being a correctional chaplain in South
Africa entails.This research is part of the
project, ‘Pastoral Care and
Trauma Counselling’, directed
by Prof. Dr Maake Masango,
Department of Practical
Theology, Faculty of
Theology, University of
Pretoria.http://www.hts.org.zaam2017Practical Theolog
