deprived of their liberty. The report is preceded by a brief overview of prison administration in South Africa. B. Methodology and Procedure of the inspections Inspections, interviews, meetings with national and local prison officials, closed door meetings with detainees, and communications from civil society organisations and information from various organisations form the primary tools used as well as the primary source of information in compiling this report. Other reports notably from Penal Reform International, Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International, NICRO, including the 2001/2002 Annual Report of the Department of Correctional Services, reports from NGOs and the media were also used as research and information material. The African Commission’s Special Rapporteur on Prison and Conditions of Detention in Africa informed the Government of the Republic of South Africa of her intention to visit the country in 2003. A formal invitation from the government was received in April 2004 for the Special Rapporteur to visit the country from 15 – 30 June 2004. Prior to the visit, the Special Rapporteur got in touch with local and international NGOs to provide her with information on the detention facilities in the country. More information was also obtained from the internet and other published works. A pre-mission report was prepared giving a general background information on detention facilities in the country. The Special Rapporteur then drew up a tentative programme indicating the facilities she would like to visit and the persons and institutions she would like to meet. This was forwarded to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs which then took charge with the arrangements. At the commencement of the visit a press briefing was held to inform the press and the general public of the purpose of the visit and to solicit persons and institutions who might have information that could assist the Special Rapporteur to come forward. This press conference was held in Cape Town on 15 June 2004.3 During the meetings with Ministers and other High ranking officials, the Special Rapporteur introduced the mission, the purpose, procedure and expectations and discussed with them about the general conditions of detention in the country. The Special Rapporteur was then briefed on some of the things to expect during the inspection phase. After meeting with all the High ranking officials, the Special Rapporteur then moved to the different facilities. At each facility, prior to an inspection, the Special Rapporteur held a short meeting with the prison authorities responsible for that facility to introduce the mission and explained how the inspection would be conducted. The head of the facility also briefed the 3 It should be noted that because Parliament was meeting in Cape Town and most of the Ministers the Special Rapporteur was due to meet were to attend Parliament, it was recommended that the mission starts on 14 June 2004. The Special Rapporteur met with Ministers and Deputy Ministers on 14 and 15 June prior to the Press Conference. 11 Special Rapporteur on Prisons Mission to South Africa 14 – 30 June 2004