Parliament, Friday, 30 January 2026 – The Portfolio Committee on Correctional Services has welcomed the overall standard of management and maintenance at the Tzaneen Correctional Centre in Limpopo, following an oversight visit conducted yesterday.
Committee Chairperson Ms Kgomotso Anthea Ramolobeng said the visit forms part of the committee’s week-long oversight programme to correctional facilities across Limpopo Province. Tzaneen Correctional Centre is a medium facility for sentenced male offenders, with an approved bedspace of 501, and was found not to be overcrowded.
Ms Ramolobeng said committee members regarded the centre as a flagship facility within the Department of Correctional Services (DCS), noting that its condition reflected strong and effective management. “The committee was impressed by the general cleanliness of the facility, the discipline observed, and the overall manner in which the centre is managed,” she said.
During a walkabout of the kitchen, however, the committee had concerns about deviations from the approved meal plan. It was also noted that only one of the three cold rooms was operational, while two of the three large cooking pots were functional. The committee emphasised that adherence to meal plans is critical and that menu planning must be informed by available stock to avoid unnecessary deviations.
The committee further inspected the healthcare unit to assess conditions, before visiting offender accommodation units K-1 and K-2. Members interacted directly with offenders to understand their living conditions and any challenges they may be experiencing.
In the education and skills development section, the committee visited the school where engineering studies and the General Education and Training Certificate (GETC) are offered. While the programmes were welcomed, Members were concerned that only five of the 10 computers in the computer laboratory were functional, with several screens not working. The committee stressed that functional equipment is essential to support effective learning and rehabilitation.
The committee also visited the skills workshop, where offenders are trained in bricklaying, electrical work, plumbing, carpentry and artwork, and commended the range of practical skills offered to support rehabilitation and reintegration.
An inspection of the control room was conducted to assess the operation of cameras and the integrated security system. The facility indicated that it prides itself on being contraband-free, a claim which the committee welcomed and commended. Members praised the centre management for maintaining a contraband-free environment and encouraged continued vigilance.
Meanwhile, the committee raised concerns with compliance monitoring in the kitchen, noting the absence of a signed inspection journal for compliance officers. While a compliance certificate dated 2022 was displayed, officials indicated that inspections are ongoing. The committee emphasised that proper record-keeping must be maintained to demonstrate compliance.
Members further expressed concern about unpleasant odours in some cells, indicating that this could be linked to the use of dagga. The committee urged the DCS to strengthen measures to prevent drugs from entering the facility.
The committee also highlighted the need for the DCS and the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) to ensure that a comprehensive maintenance plan is in place to preserve the facility’s current standard, including addressing minor maintenance issues timeously. In addition, the committee urged that vacant posts be filled to ease the workload on existing officials and ensure effective service delivery. The prioritisation of staff accommodation was also raised as a critical issue.
“The committee was overall impressed with the facility, particularly given that it is fairly new. We urge the department to maintain the current standards while addressing the identified shortcomings to ensure the continued dignity, safety and rehabilitation of offenders,” Ms Ramolobeng concluded.
The committee will conclude its oversight programme today with a visit to the Polokwane Correctional Centre as well as a debriefing session about its observations during the week.
ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON CORRECTIONAL SERVICES, MS KGOMOTSO ANTHEA RAMOLOBENG.
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