Why someone who is sentenced to life then later on is released?

Lukho Mkwedi Phuthi and Mr. Pholoso Seakamela discuss why individuals sentenced to life imprisonment in South Africa may later be released, clarifying the legal framework under the Correctional Services Act. Life sentences are not always literal "life without parole"; prisoners become eligible for parole consideration after serving a minimum of 25 years (post-2004 sentences), 20 years (pre-2004), or 15 years if aged 65+ in exceptional cases. Parole is not guaranteed and hinges on Parole Board recommendations to the Minister of Correctional Services, evaluating rehabilitation, behavior, crime severity, victim input, and societal risk. Release allows supervised reintegration if the prisoner demonstrates no ongoing threat, balancing punishment with reform.​