The DCS reported a vacancy rate of 10,5%, 3,5% below target. In addition, the turnaround time for filling vacancies increased to 210 days. The failure to meet the 7% target could, in part, be ascribed to the moratorium on appointments to non-critical posts. Although critical vacancies have been kept below the 50% for all but psychologists, the number of scarce skill vacancies remains a matter of concern, given the role such professionals play in the care, development and rehabilitation programmes critical to reducing recidivism.