Bakeries flourish in correctional centres, saving millions for the government

Bakeries are proving to be a success story in eleven of the Department of Correctional Services' (DCS) centres in the country, saving the government millions each year. 

The DCS also announced that a bakery for Durban was commissioned on June 23 this year, for test baking purposes, adding to the 11 other bakeries that DCS has nationally, which are managed by correctional officials. 

The Portfolio Committee on Correctional Services on Tuesday received an update from the DCS on the establishment of bakeries in correctional centres, including the cost breakdown on bread supply by external suppliers versus internal supply. 

The DCS stated that the construction of bakeries and the refurbishment of kitchens support self-sufficiency and sustainability. The DCS also believes that bakeries provide work opportunities to offenders, lead to offender skills development, and cost savings to the DCS. 

Chief Deputy Commissioner (CDC) Anna Molepo stated that each inmate must be provided with an adequate diet to promote good health, as prescribed in the regulations.

She said the first departmental bakery was opened in 1992, at Kgoši Mampuru II. Since then, additional bakeries were established across six regions with the Standerton and Pietermaritzburg bakeries opened during the 2024 and 2025 financial year. 

Some of the bakeries that are in the planning and consultation phases, and the estimated target date of completion: 

• Nigel (30 August 2026) 
• Krugersdorp (30 March 2027)
• Helder Stroom (1 December 2026)
• Brandvlei    (15 October 2026)
• Groenpunt   (30 August 2026)
• Upington  (15 September 2026)
• Overberg  (15 September 2026)
• Baviaanspoort (1 December 2025)

The average cost of the bread from departmental bakeries was R8,74. Molepo said that offender gratuity ranges between R2 and R9 per day.

Molepo said cost savings in the 2025 and 2026 (April and May) financial year totalled R13 million while in the 2024 and 2025 financial year, the DCS estimated a R27 million saving after deducting the cost of producing its own bread with the average cost of bread purchased from external suppliers. 

Molepo said the bakeries do not come without challenges to the DCS. These include inadequate funding for capital construction of new bakeries and baking equipment. There are also challenges of insufficient funds for maintenance and repair of bakery structure and baking equipment, as well as for training and development along with the late delivery of ingredients. 

Correctional Services Petrus Groenewald said following complaints about the procurement processes referring to the bread tender, he held meetings with National Commissioner Makgothi Thobakgale and officials. 

“We have to look at other ways to look at the price. We cannot pay R23 for a loaf of bread. That process will change. We will look at the retail prices, compliance to quality and delivery, and what the best prices are. Further meetings will be held to determine the policy on the prices. We must save money,” he said. 

Cape Times