Correctional Services Minister Pieter Groenewald said the department faced a challenging situation marked by tight budgets, the departure of experienced officials, a rising number of offenders serving longer sentences, and crime levels that have not declined.
Image: Bheki Radebe
Correctional Services Minister Piet Groenewald painted a picture of a department that is pushing self-sufficiency and sustainability efforts while being saddled with limited resources and a shrinking budget.
Speaking during the debate on the department’s 2026 budget vote on Wednesday, Groenewald said the department faced a challenging situation marked by tight budgets, the departure of experienced officials, a rising number of offenders serving longer sentences, and crime levels that have not declined at the pace society demands.
“Over the current Medium-Term Expenditure Framework, the department must absorb budget reductions amounting to R683.4 million.
“These reductions negatively affect the Department’s operational capacity, straining our ability to fill critical posts, maintain optimal staff-to-inmate ratios, and sustain the level of services required for safe custody and effective rehabilitation.”
He told the MPs that the prison population stood at 169 519, with an overcrowding rate of 58% on May 5.
Of these inmates, 63 194 are remand detainees.
“This situation continues to exert significant pressure on infrastructure, personnel, and resources.”
The department’s budget for 2026/27 is R30.939 billion and is projected to grow modestly to R32.8 billion in 2028/29.
Groenewald said the department was making deliberate choices, prioritising critical posts and investing in infrastructure to fulfil its mandate.
“If there is one area where resilience is most evident, it is in our drive towards self-sufficiency and sustainability,” he said.
The department has expanded agricultural production, workshops, and internal manufacturing capabilities while faced with rising costs and limited resources.
“These are not only cost-saving measures but also rehabilitation tools that equip offenders with practical skills and restore a sense of purpose.”
The department has increased the number of bakeries to 12 since two were opened at Standerton and Pietermaritzburg in 2024/25. One more is nearing completion at Qalakabusha and is expected to be operational this financial year.
Groenewald said the initiative has saved the department more than R77.1 million on bread in the last financial year.
“We are steadily moving towards a model of greater self-sufficiency, where each management area is equipped with its own bakery.”
He also said the department was steadily reducing its reliance on external procurement while enhancing offender development.
The value of production workshop orders from client departments was R101.7m as at the end of February 2026.
Groenewald again invited departments to consider purchasing their furniture and related supply needs through his department.
“We are currently engaging to expand on the Memorandum of Understanding with the Department of Basic Education, specifically on the production and repair of school desks.”
He also told the MPs that the Witbank Textile Workshop manufactured 40,869 items for officials’ uniforms between April 2025 and February 2026, an increase of 13,047 items compared with the previous financial year.
The initiative has resulted in savings of R125m through internally produced agricultural commodities in the 2025/26 financial year.
Groenwald reported to the MPs during the 1406 raids conducted in prisons during the last financial year, more than 37 500 cell phones and other contraband were confiscated.
“During the December/ January holiday period alone, officials carried out searches across correctional facilities nationwide, confiscating over 8 000 cell phones, R102 700 in cash, and numerous other illegal items.”
He said the large-scale confiscations and frequent raids demonstrated their increased control over internal threats.
“Let me be clear: we are effectively purging our prisons of illegal activities. Those involved in smuggling should understand their days are numbered.”
Groenewald further said the department will enforce a strict zero-tolerance policy regarding cell phone use within its facilities.
“This will involve transitioning to two-way radios for internal communication. The policy will be initially implemented in select locations and expanded to all Facilities,” he said.
Groenwald revealed that a total of 2388 officials were subjected to disciplinary hearings during the reporting period and 2138 cases have been finalised.
Cape Times