The call was made during the committee’s oversight visit to the Mangaung-based facility on Tuesday (4/8), a month after the department assumed full control of the prison following the conclusion of its more than two-decade public-private partnership with Bloemfontein Correctional Contracts and G4S.

The facility, previously known as the Mangaung Correctional Centre, was officially taken over by the state on 1 July and renamed Grootvlei Maximum Correctional Centre.

The facility came under scrutiny following the escape of convicted rapist and murderer Thabo Bester in May 2022. The centre now operates as a three-tier security facility, incorporating low, medium and maximum-security units under direct state administration.

Committee chairperson Kgomotso Ramolobeng said the oversight visit was aimed at assessing whether the transition had been seamless and identifying any gaps that could inform future takeovers.

“We visited different areas of the facility, including the hospital, workshops, control room, kitchen and bakery, and we also interacted with inmates to get a better understanding of the conditions on the ground,” said Ramolobeng.

“One of the positive aspects we saw was the accredited upholstery training. Inmates receive certificates that can help them secure employment or start their own businesses when they return to society.

“We are expecting a report from the department within the next two weeks, after which we will meet with DCS again to discuss the takeover and address any gaps that may have been identified.

“The committee appreciates the progress made in appointing former G4S employees, but more needs to be done to ensure that suitably qualified individuals are afforded a fair opportunity to fill the remaining vacancies.”

The committee welcomed the appointment of 310 of the 495 former G4S employees who were employed by DCS following the takeover. However, it wants suitably qualified former employees to be prioritised for the remaining 309 vacancies, provided they meet the inherent minimum requirements.

The committee has also called for unsuccessful applicants to be informed in writing of the reasons for their non-appointment.

Healthcare emerged as another concern, with inmates raising complaints about interruptions in chronic medication and allegations of incorrect medication being issued. “The committee stressed that access to healthcare is a constitutional obligation,” said Ramolobeng.

OFM News/Zenande Mpame sm

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