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The Portfolio Committee on Correctional Services has expressed serious reservations about the Department of Correctional Services’ (DCS) preparedness to take over the management of the Mangaung Correctional Centre in the Free State from 1 July 2026.
 
Committee Chairperson Ms Kgomotso Anthea Ramolobeng said the committee noted the progress made since its last engagement with the department on the matter in December 2025.
 
“We want to commend the work you have done thus far in preparation to run the facility come the beginning of next month. “However, we have serious concerns. Your recruitment process has not yet been finalised and you have a history of delaying that. So, we have reason to be concerned. We note that 668 centre-based posts were advertised, but selection and recruitment must still be finalised. If it is new entrants to the systems, they will have to be trained at your colleges,” were some of the concerns raised by the Chairperson.
 
“Furthermore, we note that although uniforms for both officials and inmates have been ordered, the bulk must still be delivered, and none of the sheets and pillowcases were delivered as yet,” elaborated Ms Ramolobeng.
 
The committee heard that Bloemfontein Correctional Contracts, which had the contract for the Mangaung Correctional Centre, is still in litigation with the DCS following the termination of the contract due to breach of contract following the escape of inmate Thabo Bester and several other security concerns.
 
Furthermore, the committee noted the DCS’s appeal of a Labour Court ruling in May, which ruled that the current staff at Mangaung, who are employed by a sub-contractor, G4S, must remain in their posts. The committee re-iterated its concerns on this point, as G4S staff are remunerated at a higher rate than DCS staff, which could lead to challenges.
 
The committee further heard that Healthcare Services inspected the correctional centre kitchen in May. All kitchen equipment was found to be in good working condition; however, some sections of the kitchen need repairs. The DCS said the contractor is expected to complete the repairs by 19 June 2026.
 
The DCS assured the committee that is ready to assume the management of the centre, although it is unable to answer questions at this time on some security issues.
 
The committee requested an updated consolidated readiness report from the DCS on all work streams before 30 June, as well as another report following the first 30 days after take-over. The committee will also apply to conduct an oversight visit next month to the centre.

Issued by the Parliamentary Communication Services on behalf of the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Correctional Services, Ms Kgomotso Anthea Ramolobeng.