Abstract
M.A.
According to Correctional Services Act 111 of 1998, DCS has moral and legal
responsibility over the parolees. Parolees are supposed to be reintegrated into the
society, while still serving their sentences and ultimately become responsible
citizens. Some of the parolees are unable to complete their parole sentences and
end up re-offending. There are however some parolees who manage to complete
their sentences successfully, despite the parole conditions and their personal
circumstances. The researcher was interested in those parolees who completed their
parole sentences successfully. The strengths perspective, together with other
strength related theories, served as a theoretical lens that helped to identify and
describe factors that enable parolees to complete their sentences successfully.
A qualitative design and descriptive approach was employed. Semi-structured
interviews were used to collect the data. A sample of 15 parolees who had
completed their sentences successfully was identified. Data were analysed using
Creswell’s approach. It was found that factors such as employment, educational
qualification, job skills, personal qualities, support, relationships and networking
enabled parolees to complete their sentences successfully. Recommendations are
made based on the findings.