Parliament, Wednesday, 24 June 2026 – The Portfolio Committee on Correctional Services today conducted an oversight visit to the Voorberg Correctional Centre near Porterville in the Western Cape where it raised concerns over ageing infrastructure in certain parts of the facility, staff vacancies, and the conduct of some officials.
The committee expressed concern about the condition of the Medium A section, commonly referred to as the “Blikkiestronk” or “Tin Prison” because it is largely constructed from corrugated iron dating back to 1976. The section becomes extremely cold during winter and some inmates told the committee about insufficient bedding.
Committee Chairperson, Ms Kgomotso Anthea Ramolobeng, reminded officials that inmates are entitled to basic human dignity and constitutional rights. “Inmates are still human beings, and their rights must be respected. The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) and the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure must work together to address the conditions in this section,” she said.
The committee also noted leaking taps, as well as damaged cooking equipment and refrigeration units. It urged the department to ensure proper and quality maintenance to ensure acceptable living conditions.
The centre consists of Medium A, which has an approved bed capacity of 461 inmates and is operating at an occupancy rate of 108%, and Medium B, which has an approved bed capacity of 1 421 inmates and an occupancy rate of 130%.
In line with the DCS’s Self-Sufficiency Framework, the facility produces milk, red meat, vegetables, fruit and animal fodder. The committee commended the centre's self-sufficiency programme and its ability to supply agricultural products to other correctional facilities within the management area.
"At a time when the department is operating under severe fiscal constraints, projects such as these assist in reducing costs and improving sustainability. The extent of the agricultural projects at this facility is commendable," Ms Ramolobeng said.
During a walkabout inspection, the committee was shown a section of the perimeter fence that had previously been cut and used as an entry point for contraband. The committee heard that individuals from nearby communities had used e-hailing services to access areas adjacent to the perimeter fence and throw prohibited items onto agricultural land worked by inmates.
The centre has since strengthened its security measures by ensuring that observation towers are staffed and by conducting regular sweeps of agricultural areas before inmates commence work. The committee also raised concerns about the high vacancy rate at the facility. Medium A has 35 vacancies out of 153 funded posts, while Medium B has 73 vacancies out of 325 funded posts.
Ms Ramolobeng said all funded vacancies must be filled as a matter of urgency to ensure that the facility can operate effectively and safely. The committee further expressed concern about the attitude and conduct of some officials at the centre and urged the Acting Area Commissioner to address the matter urgently.
“The attitude displayed by some officials is unacceptable. There appears to be a culture where instructions are resisted and poor conduct goes unchallenged. Even as visitors, we experienced an unwelcoming environment. This raises serious questions about leadership, accountability and organisational culture within the facility,” Ms Ramolobeng said.
The committee also raised concerns over officials currently facing disciplinary hearings yet are continuing to supervise parolees. It stressed the importance of ensuring that disciplinary processes are concluded expeditiously and that appropriate measures are taken to safeguard the integrity of parole supervision and rehabilitation programmes.
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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