The aim, mandate, and overall objectives of the South African correctional system, as presented in the 1994/1995 Annual Report, were used as the basis for identifying and describing performance indicators for the corrections industry. The quantitative measurement of performance is dependent on the availability of the required management information. The following five key performance indicators are linked to data on the reincarceration rate, the prison overcrowding rate, the escape rate, the morality rate, and the staff-inmate ratio. These measurable performance indicators relate to the mission of the corrections industry to provide humane custody and care, efficient and effective security, and offender development. The current research found that the South African Department of Correctional Services does not keep records on reincarceration. Neither was information readily available on the number of beds, toilets, and showers, which is relevant to determining overcrowding. For each performance indicator, a table indicates the management information required to measure the indicator, as well as the mathematical formula for calculating level of performance. 10 tables, 3 figures, and a 15-item bibliography