South Africa’s prison system is struggling with a significant issue of overcrowding that has come to the fore following the reincarceration of former President Jacob Zuma. In July 2021, Zuma was sentenced to a 15month prison term by the Constitutional Court but was granted medical parole just two months later, which was later declared unlawful by the Supreme Court of Appeal. This decision has brought to light the problem of prison overcrowding in South Africa, prompting the government to take action.
