Parliament, Tuesday, 19 May 2026 – The Portfolio Committee on Correctional Services today expressed concern about slow progress in renovating and refurbishing kitchens at the correctional centres that were inspected by the committee during oversight visits in KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo and Gauteng.
The committee received a briefing from the Department of Correctional Services (DCS) on progress made in addressing deficiencies identified during oversight visits. It warned that deteriorating kitchen facilities continue to pose risks to health, safety and the dignity of inmates.
Committee Chairperson Ms Kgomotso Anthea Ramolobeng said the committee was dissatisfied with the department’s pace of progress and inconsistencies in reporting.
“We are very concerned about the progress and, at times, the complete lack thereof. The department previously informed the committee that the Modderbee kitchen had reopened in March 2025 but today indicated that it remains closed due to ongoing renovations. During the meeting, the department corrected the completion date and said the renovations are now expected to be finalised by the end of May next year,” she said.
Ms Ramolobeng said repeated references to budget constraints could not become a blanket justification for delays. “While we acknowledge the financial pressures facing the department, it must also utilise all available measures to curb wastefulness and improve efficiency,” she said.
The committee heard that approximately R892 million was paid to the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) under the User Charges Allocation during the 2025/26 financial year. The DCS reiterated that DPWI has relinquished most maintenance responsibilities to the department, despite user charges continuing to be paid in line with National Treasury allocations.
The committee noted that the transfer of maintenance responsibilities without proportional budget allocations has placed severe strain on the department and negatively affected the repair and maintenance of critical infrastructure, including kitchens, boilers, sewerage systems and water purification plants.
Members also had concerns about several kitchens that remain in poor condition due to ageing infrastructure, maintenance delays and insufficient funding. Challenges highlighted included non-functional cooking equipment, structural damage, leaking roofs, lack of valid hygiene compliance certificates, malfunctioning boilers and delays in appointing contractors.
“The state of some of these kitchens is unacceptable and undermines the constitutional obligation to ensure humane detention conditions. Food preparation facilities must always comply with health and hygiene standards,” Ms Ramolobeng said.
While acknowledging progress at some facilities, including Qalakabusha Correctional Centre and Thohoyandou Medium B Correctional Centre, the committee stressed that urgent work is still required across the correctional system. The committee welcomed the department’s commitment to allocate funding in the 2026/27 financial year for outstanding repairs and refurbishment projects but stressed that it expects measurable progress and strict adherence to timelines.
“We will continue monitoring these refurbishments and conducting unannounced oversight visits to inspect progress and workmanship,” said the Chairperson.
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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