The Portfolio Committee on Justice and Correctional Services has proposed a Human Reconstruction and Development Programme (HRDP) for offenders which will assist them with skills developments while in correctional facilities.

Said Committee Chairperson, Dr Mathole Motshekga: “You (the department) should be developing the full potential of the inmates.” Dr Motshekga added that inmates could be skilled in making products or be used on farms to cultivate the land. Products can later be sold by the department. The Committee requested the department to return later this year with a plan on how this could be done. The Committee was responding to a call by President Jacob Zuma for a focus on such a programme.

Acting National Commissioner of Correctional Services, Mr Zach Modise, agreed that the department would return later with a proposal on how a HRDP could be implemented. The Committee congratulated the department on the programmes like the various parole programmes it has in place for offenders, but encouraged it to enhance its communications strategy regarding this.

“The public is not aware of your good programmes. Bring your pamphlets to us so we can distribute it at our constituency offices,” said Dr Motshekga. The Committee further heard that communities were reluctant to accept offenders back into their midst. Dr Motshekga encouraged the department to work with civil society organisations to try and create awareness.

The Committee also heard that the department was unable to comment on the medical parole order granted by the court on Friday to Mr Clive Derby-Lewis as it was still considering the judgement. The Department further denied that Mr Schabir Shaik applied to have his medical parole changed to normal parole but indicated his application was regarding the “lighter” parole conditions as was the case when parole is reviewed.

 

Issued by Parliamentary Communication Services on behalf of the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Justice and Correctional Services, Dr Mathole Motshekga