For a soundbite of Ms Jane Seboletswe Mananiso, the Chairperson of the Select Committee on Security and Justice, please click: https://iono.fm/e/1738438
Parliament, Wednesday, 11 November 2026 – The Select Committee on Security and Justice today expressed deep concern over the Department of Correctional Services’ (DCS) regression to a disclaimer audit opinion for the 2025/26 financial year, calling for urgent corrective action, stronger consequence management and a clear plan to prevent recurring audit failures.
The committee’s concerns follow its engagement with the department on its 2025/26 Annual Report, during which it acknowledged operational achievements, including 85% of annual performance targets. However, the committee emphasised that these achievements must be matched by sound financial management, credible reporting and effective internal controls.
Committee Chairperson Ms Jane Seboletswe Mananiso said the department must urgently address the issues underlying the disclaimer and pursue the matters it has attributed to technical glitches. “Members were of the view that these explanations should be properly interrogated and, where necessary, challenged to ensure that the department secures improved audit outcomes,” the Chairperson said.
“The department cannot afford to repeatedly appear before the committee with the same governance failures. We want to understand what concrete measures will be implemented following these audit outcomes to ensure that we do not return next year to report the same shortcomings. Consequence management must be prioritised, and those responsible for failures must be held accountable,” said Ms Mananiso.
The committee further stressed the need for the department to strengthen collaboration with other government departments to improve service delivery and rehabilitation outcomes. “While acknowledging the progress made, the committee believes that more can be achieved through an integrated approach across the justice system,” the Chairperson said.
Ms Mananiso said that committee members raised concern about vacancies on parole boards and the impact these have on the effective management of parole processes. The committee will therefore make provision in its programme next year to engage more deeply with parole boards to understand their operational challenges and identify solutions.
Overcrowding in correctional facilities and the continued high number of remand detainees remain significant concerns. The committee encouraged the department to pursue memoranda of understanding with neighbouring countries to facilitate the management and repatriation of foreign nationals, where appropriate and in accordance with the law. It also identified the Integrated Justice System as a priority for further oversight next year, given its recurring importance in engagements with justice sector institutions.
On rehabilitation and reintegration, the committee emphasised that successful reintegration must extend beyond the release of offenders. Members highlighted the need to better understand the experiences of communities and the impact of parolees on society, particularly concerns about reoffending. Rehabilitation programmes must translate into meaningful reintegration and safer communities.
“The committee brings collective experience and insight that can assist the department in addressing these challenges. Our oversight must contribute to practical solutions that improve correctional services, strengthen rehabilitation and reduce overcrowding, rather than allowing these problems to persist,” Ms Mananiso said.
The committee will continue exercising oversight over the department’s implementation of corrective measures, with particular emphasis on improved audit outcomes, consequence management, parole administration, rehabilitation and the effective reintegration of offenders.
ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE SELECT COMMITTEE ON SECURITY AND JUSTICE, MS JANE SEBOLETSWE MANANISO.
For media inquiries or interviews with the Chairperson, please contact the committee’s Media Officer:
Name: Rajaa Azzakani (Ms)
Cell: 081 703 9542
E-mail: razzakani@parliament.gov.za
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