Parliament, Thursday, 29 January 2026 – The Portfolio Committee on Correctional Services continued its oversight yesterday with visits to Kutama-Sinthumule and Makhado Correctional Centres, where members observed severe overcrowding.
The committee heard that the Makhado Correctional Centre was over 300% full. The Chairperson of the committee, Ms Kgomotso Anthea Ramolobeng, said the committee is especially concerned because three units at the Makhado facility have been closed. This caused more strain on the remaining unit. “We urge the Department [of Correctional Services DCS] (DCS) to speed up the renovations so that offenders can be spread out across the facility. She said the centre has an approved bed space capacity of 305, but is currently accommodating 918 male offenders.
According to Ms Ramolobeng, the DCS committed to completing and reopening the units by the end of March 2026. The committee has requested a written progress report, supported by photographs, at that time.
At Makhado Correctional Centre, the committee inspected the kitchen, remand detainee unit, the hospital unit, and a unit for sentenced offenders. Members raised serious concerns about the functionality of the kitchen, where pots were limited, and the steamer was not functioning.
Members were also informed of persistent water shortages that impact the facility and the municipality. The lack of water has caused toilets to stop flushing. This impacts hygiene and dignity for offenders and officials. The committee was particularly concerned about unpleasant odours in overcrowded cells, particularly in the sentenced offender units and urged the department to procure deep-cleaning materials to remedy these conditions.
The committee also raised concerns about skills development programmes. Although some long-term programmes, such as agriculture, are available, uptake remains low. The committee emphasised the need to expand such initiatives to support offender rehabilitation and reintegration.
The committee also noted that staff shortages are increasing safety risks for officials due to a high offender-to-staff ratio. Ms Ramolobeng stressed the need to fill all funded vacant posts. While the facility’s physical condition is generally acceptable, the Chairperson emphasised that maintenance must be prioritised to prevent deterioration.
At Kutama-Sinthumule Correctional Centre, a maximum-security facility housing 3 024 male offenders, the committee inspected the kitchen, offender workshops and industries, including textile, wood and motor industries, as well as the medical section. Members visited the blue and green prison units and the E Block, known as the Special Care Unit, which houses offenders who have transgressed institutional rules. Members were also briefed on security measures, including advanced body-scanning technology, commonly referred to as the “boss chair”, which has helped curb contraband items such as cell phones.
Ms Ramolobeng commended the centre’s management for upholding a clean, orderly and well-managed facility. She noted that operations are running smoothly and that the committee is impressed by the overall upkeep and discipline. The committee noted that Kutama-Sinthumule operates under a private contract, which expires in February 2027. The DCS will then assume responsibility for the facility. Members urged that current high standards be maintained following the transition.
The committee will continue its oversight visits to assess conditions in provincial correctional facilities and ensure accountability, safety and the humane treatment of inmates.
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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Name: Rajaa Azzakani (Ms)
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E-mail: razzakani@parliament.gov.za
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