Lukas, Muntingh2019-12-052019-12-052005Muntingh, L. 2005. 'Alternative sentencing in South Africa: an update' in Maepa, T. Beyond retribution: prospects for restorative justice in South Africa. Institute for Security Studies. 105-119http://hdl.handle.net/10566/5114With South Africa’s ever growing prison population, the hope is often expressed that non-custodial sentencing options or ‘alternative sentencing’ will relieve the overcrowding and its associated ills. The current situation in our prisons is, however, not the result of a lack of creative alternative sentencing options – indeed, these have been on the statute books for decades. Instead, prison overcrowding is caused by the slow administration of justice, resulting in a large awaiting trial population. Another factor is the propensity of South African courts to hand down long prison and prison-based sentences. The introduction in 1997 of legislation prescribing minimum mandatory sentences has also led to an increase in the sentenced prison population. On average 62% of convicted offenders receive a sentence that is in some way connected to imprisonment or direct imprisonment.ennon-custodial sentencingUN standard minimum rules for non-custodial measuresReintegrationCorrectional supervisionCommunity service ordersBook chapter