Solitary struggle: a critical qualitative evaluation of solitary confinement as a management tool and the impact on inmates’ basic human rights at Ebongweni Correctional Centre in South Africa.

Abstract

Solitary confinement, a deeply entrenched practice in South African prisons, has historical roots extending back to the apartheid era. Despite legislative efforts to restrict its use, the practice persists in facilities like Ebongweni Correctional Centre, a super-maximum-security prison, where concerns have been raised about its potential to violate inmates' constitutional rights and undermine their well-being and rehabilitation prospects. While legal and policy frameworks governing solitary confinement in South Africa have been subject to scholarly review, there is a notable gap in empirical research that examines the actual implementation of these policies and their impact on inmates. This study addresses this gap by critically evaluating the use of solitary confinement as a prison management tool at Ebongweni Correctional Centre. The purpose of the study is to examine its compliance with constitutional and international human rights standards, including the Nelson Mandela Rules, and to assess its effects on inmates' rights, well-being, and prospects for rehabilitation. The research problem stems from the apparent disconnect between policy intent and practice, where solitary confinement appears to function less as a rehabilitative tool and more as a punitive mechanism. Using a qualitative research design, this study employs in-depth, semi-structured interviews with a purposive sample of inmates and staff at Ebongweni. It also incorporates a comprehensive analysis of legal and policy documents, as well as researcher observations. The methodology ensures a multi-faceted understanding of how solitary confinement is implemented and experienced in this unique correctional setting. The findings reveal significant gaps between the legal and policy frameworks governing solitary confinement and their practical application. Solitary confinement practices at Ebongweni appear to fall short of constitutional provisions and international human rights standards. Prolonged isolation is shown to have severe detrimental effects on inmates’ psychological well-being, social functioning, and rehabilitation prospects, raising serious questions about the alignment of these practices with South Africa's constitutional and rehabilitative mandate. These findings have important implications for correctional policy and practice. The study highlights the need for urgent reforms that include evidencebased policies prioritising inmates' human rights and well-being while maintaining institutional safety and security. Key recommendations include strengthening oversight mechanisms, investing in staff training on human rights and rehabilitative principles, and developing alternative management strategies that promote restorative justice and inmates’ reintegration into society. This study contributes to the growing discourse on prison reform in South Africa by providing empirical evidence that underscores the necessity of a paradigm shift in correctional practices. It concludes by affirming that a humane and rights-based approach to incarceration is not only achievable but essential for fostering a just and equitable society.