The Minister of Correctional Services, Doctor Pieter Groenewald, tabled Budget Vote 22 in Parliament yesterday, 13 May, outlining the Department of Correctional Services’ (DCS) plans to strengthen security, improve accountability, and expand self-sufficiency despite ongoing financial pressures.
According to a DCS statement, the Minister acknowledged the serious challenges facing the Department, “including budget reductions, overcrowding in correctional centres, increasing inmate numbers, and the loss of experienced officials.”
Groenewald stressed that the Department continues to make progress in restoring stability and hope within correctional services.
“The Department’s budget for the 2026/27 financial year stands at R30.939 billion,” the statement said.
Minister Groenewald noted that more than 70% of the budget is allocated to employee compensation, leaving limited funding for operational needs.
“Correctional facilities are currently overcrowded by 58%, with the inmate population standing at 169,519 as of 5 May 2026,” Groenewald said.
“Through bakeries, agricultural projects, workshops, and textile production, DCS continues to reduce reliance on external procurement while equipping offenders with valuable skills,” the Minister said in his address.
The statement added that the Department now operates twelve bakeries nationally, saving more than R77.1 million on bread costs during the 2025/26 financial year. “Savings of R125 million were also realised through internally produced agricultural commodities,” he said.
Regarding security matters, Groenewald highlighted the Department’s intensified anti-contraband operations.
“Raids at correctional centres increased from 466 to 1,406 over the past year, leading to the confiscation of more than 37,500 cell phones and other illegal items,” he said, warning that “the Department is taking a zero-tolerance approach against corruption and smuggling inside correctional facilities.”
Groenewald also reaffirmed the Department’s commitment to accountability, revealing that “2,388 officials faced disciplinary processes during the reporting period, with over 2,100 cases already finalised.”
He announced the reintroduction of long-service medals to honour officials for dedicated service of 10, 20, 30, and 40 years, recognising officials as the backbone of the Department.
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