Public Works rejects 'untruthful narratives' on prison maintenance, reveals budget shortfall
The Department of Public Works and Infrastructure has responded to claims regarding the lack of maintenance for prison facilities, revealing a significant budget shortfall.
Image: Armand Hough Independent Newspapers
The Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) has strongly rejected what it calls 'misrepresentations and untruthful narratives' presented to the Portfolio Committee on Correctional Services, following widespread criticism over alleged failure to maintain prison infrastructure, including in KwaZulu-Natal.
During a presentation to the Portfolio Committee on Correctional Services last week, the Department of Correctional Services (DCS) revealed that it paid over R842 million to the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) in the 2024/25 financial year for maintenance services, but claimed no work was done, prompting MPs to question whether the DCS had requested a refund.
The MPs also raised concern about the worsening state of correctional facilities, including the closure of the kitchen at Westville Correctional Service Medium A in KZN as it needs refurbishment which will cost R12 million.
However, DPWI spokesperson Lennox Mabaso said the department "rejects and takes serious exception to the misrepresentations and untruthful narratives presented before the DCS Portfolio Committee.'
Mabaso expressed that the department was 'deeply concerned' about the information presented to the committee.
Video Player is loading.
Play Video
Play
Unmute
Current Time
0:00
/
Duration
-:-
Loaded :
0%
Stream Type LIVE
Seek to live, currently behind live
LIVE
Remaining Time
-
0:00
This is a modal window.
Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window.
Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque
Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps
Reset
restore all settings to the default values Done
Close Modal Dialog
End of dialog window.
Advertisement
Next
Stay
Close ✕
Ad loading
DPWI Director-General Sifiso Mdakane disputed that R842 million had been received, stating that financial records showed the amount received from DCS for accommodation charges in 2024/25 was R672 million.
'It is unfortunate to learn of this through the media when recently, the ministers of the two departments met and resolved that the accounting officers must lead a task team to resolve all the matters including payments, budget and state of facilities,' Mdakane said.
According to the DPWI, the DCS occupies 12,282 properties at a cost of R14.33 per square metre, while the approved finance model sets the cost at R53.60 per square metre — a shortfall of nearly R2 billion annually.
'The R14.33 per square metre basic user charge paid by the Department of Correctional Services is insufficient to cover any basic services related to property management, ownership, or custodianship as per the DPWI mandate,' Mabaso said.
He added that more than R520 million of the R672 million received from DCS went to municipalities for property rates, with only R152 million spent on maintenance and repairs.
'In fact, over a period of four years, the DCS has paid the DPWI R2.6 billion while the DPWI has spent R4.4 billion to service the Department of Correctional Services,' said Mabaso. 'This translates to a staggering R1.8 billion budget shortfall.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
IOL News
12 hours ago
- IOL News
‘Womxn: Working' shed light on the struggles of South African sex workers
Womxn: Working - A powerful documentary on sex work activism in South Africa Image: Armand Hough/Independent Media A new documentary, 'Womxn: Working,' making its world premiere at the Encounters South African International Documentary Festival, sheds urgent light on the ongoing struggle of sex workers in South Africa. Directed by Shanelle Jewnarain and produced by Tiny Mungwe and Mitchell Harper, the film chronicles a journey of activism spanning a decade of activism, resilience, and relentless advocacy for decriminalisation and justice. The film, made possible by NFVF and KwaZulu-Natal Film and Tourism Authority, set against the backdrop of South Africa's alarming femicide crisis, 'Womxn: Working' follows the lives of prominent sex work activists such as Nosipho Vidima, Dudu Dlamini, Constance Mathe, and the late Ruvimbo Tenga. According to Sharlene Versfeld from Versfeld & Associates, these women are fighting in courtrooms and Parliament, leading protests, organising vigils, and supporting their communities from the ground up. 'Their stories are a testament to the courage and leadership of those fighting for their rights amidst systemic violence and societal stigma.' Filmed over ten years, the documentary exemplifies a collaborative approach rooted in the principles of 'Nothing about us, without us,' working closely with activist groups like SWEAT and Sisonke. Versveld stated that this partnership ensures that the voices of sex workers remain at the heart of the narrative, challenging stereotypes and highlighting their agency. 'The film explores key milestones in South Africa's sex workers' rights movement, including efforts to influence policy through the Asijiki Coalition, a coalition uniting trade unions, legal experts, gender rights organisations, and political allies. 'Their advocacy has led to calls for the long-awaited report from the Law Reform Commission on the legal status of sex work, igniting national debates and community engagement.' In addition, 'Womxn: Working' revisits campaigns like 'Say Her Name' and the legal case involving artist Zwelethu Mthethwa's prosecution for the murder of a sex worker, illustrating the ongoing fight for justice and recognition. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ 'Our film shows sex workers as they've rarely been seen,' said director Shanelle Jewnarain. 'Not as subjects of pity, but as organisers, mothers, leaders, and fighters. I hope it disrupts stereotypes, prompts reflection, and challenges viewers to interrogate the systems that criminalise and punish women for survival while enabling the violence they endure. 'Through it all, these women find strength in solidarity, balancing activism with care work for their families and communities.' Producer Tiny Mungwe emphasised the importance of centering Black women's voices in the documentary, describing it as a deeply personal and communal journey. 'We have tried to push back stereotypes and focus on Black Womxn, who are often silenced. The film explores the polarising debate surrounding sex work in South Africa, where discussions tend to focus on morality rather than women's autonomy over their bodies.' SWEAT spokesperson Megan Lessing highlighted the broader significance of the film. 'This documentary honours the courage, resilience, and leadership of sex workers who have fought relentlessly for their rights, safety, and dignity. 'It's a story from the frontlines-led by sex workers themselves. We hope audiences understand that decriminalisation is not just policy reform; it's about recognising humanity and protecting the lives of sex workers.' 'Womxn: Working' will be screened at The Labia Theatre in Cape Town on Saturday, June 21, at 4:30 PM, with further screenings scheduled in Johannesburg. IOL Politics
Daily Maverick
3 days ago
- Daily Maverick
Eastern Cape cop back at work after pleading guilty to armed robbery, 12 more still on duty despite criminal records
A Nelson Mandela Bay police officer who pleaded guilty – in a disciplinary hearing – to charges of armed robbery, possession of stolen property and the possession of an unlicensed firearm has returned to work after a two-month suspension. The DA's Yusuf Cassim however said there were serious irregularities with the officer's disciplinary hearing. A police officer who was working in the child protection unit at the Mount Road Police station in Nelson Mandela Bay has been reinstated, although redeployed to a different police station, after pleading guilty on charges of armed robbery during a disciplinary hearing. This was confirmed by Eastern Cape MEC for Community Safety, Xolile Nqatha, in a written reply to the provincial legislature. Nqatha said the docket for the armed robbery case was opened in Stormsriver and that the criminal matter is still ongoing. He also confirmed that 12 police officers with criminal convictions are currently serving in the South African Police Service (SAPS) in the province, and 217 cases involving police officers are under investigation. Most of the convictions were for police officers helping prisoners escape. The cases included: A police officer at Mount Road SAPS was convicted of assault with the intent to do serious bodily harm. He has received a suspended sentence; An officer in Kareedouw was found guilty of fraud and fined R12,000 in court, of which R6,000 was suspended; An officer working at the Graaff Reinet SAPS was convicted of reckless and negligent driving and paid an admission-of-guilt fine; Officers in Paterson, Tsolo and Kirkwood have all been convicted of helping prisoners escape and received prison sentences of between 6 months and a year; and An officer in Mthatha paid an admission of guilt fine of R1,500 for fraud. The Democratic Alliance's Yusuf Cassim criticised the fact that 12 police officers with criminal convictions, and hundreds more facing criminal charges, are still active members of the Eastern Cape SAPS. 'Not only have these officers broken the law they swore to uphold, they also violated the trust of the residents they serve, some going so far as putting criminal elements back on the street in a province where you are more likely to be raped or murdered than anywhere else in the country,' he said. He said the officer from Mount Road SAPS accused of armed robbery had returned to duty this month, but was redeployed to Kinkelbos SAPS. 'The officer pleaded guilty in an internal disciplinary hearing to aggravated robbery, possession of stolen property and unlawful possession of a firearm, receiving a two-month suspension without pay. The criminal case against him remains ongoing.' He said the officer's disciplinary hearing was chaired by a captain despite the SAPS Discipline Regulations of 2016 requiring that an officer with the rank of brigadier or higher must chair the case. 'This breach raises serious questions about other disciplinary cases that have allowed convicted criminals to remain in positions where they are supposed to enforce the very laws they have been found guilty of breaking,' he said. 'Were their disciplinary hearings also chaired by junior officers? Were proper procedures followed before allowing these criminals to remain in the service? Who authorised these outcomes?' he asked. 'I will be writing to the National Commissioner to request a comprehensive review of all SAPS members with criminal convictions or pending criminal charges in the Eastern Cape, including an examination of the disciplinary processes followed in each case and whether these processes complied with national regulations,' he said.
IOL News
7 days ago
- IOL News
South Africa's Shame: How government is failing young women
With over 10,600 reported rapes in just one quarter, South Africa faces a crisis that demands urgent government action. Image: Armand Hough / Independent Newspapers The fourth quarter crime statistics for 2024/25 paint a sobering picture. More than 10,600 cases of rape; 1,872 cases of sexual assault; 656 attempted sexual offences; 236 contact sexual offences. This is one quarter, from January 1, 2025 to March 31, 2025. Extrapolate that over four quarters and you have well over 42,000 cases of rape in a year. That's 115 rapes a day. And those are just the reported cases. Some believe the actual number may be at least four times as high. As a woman, you are four times more likely to be assaulted in your own home. It's estimated around 90% of the victims of reported rape cases are women. Following the news coverage of the murders of young women on IOL, you'll recognise that nowhere is safe for women. You get murdered going on a date. You get murdered using ride-sharing. You get murdered going to the post office. You get murdered going to the bathroom at night. You get murdered going to school. You get murdered at varsity. The poem Siphokazi Jonas penned in 2018, first published by The Cape Argus and IOL still rings true: We Are Dying Here. And yet, year after year, we are subjected to a State of the Nation Address where our president promises to do more to end the scourge of GBV, to set up specialised task teams, to hold national dialogues, to urge the NPA and the rest of the justice system to get its act together to properly investigate and prosecute these matters, to Youth Day speeches where we are sold a dream... We are tired. We demand action. No more empty promises. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ Our quarterly crime statistics may show some green shoots: There were 809 fewer murders between January 2025 and March 2025 than there were in the corresponding period in 2024 — but that's still 5,727 murders a quarter too many. Femicide accounts for about 1,500 of the country's total murders per annum — around four per day. Women are five to eight times more likely to be murdered by their intimate partner, according to SAPS in 2024. According to the World Health Organization, the femicide rate in South Africa is five times the global average. Just this year alone: Olorato Mongale, 30; Likhona Fose, 14; Imaan Syms, 30... The list goes on. This Youth Day we need to remember their names. Remember their names when President Cyril Ramaphosa is addressing us on June 16. Think about the number of young women and girls who have been raped, murdered, or gone missing, like little Joshlin Smith. Think about how this system, this society, this government has failed them. As we honour the youth activists of the June 16, 1976 Uprising, remember that many of those who participated are now in government and leadership positions in this country, in positions where they can make a difference but choose not to. Thousands of youth gave up their lives for the freedoms we now cherish. What are we prepared to offer up to stem the tide of grave crimes committed against our young women? * Lance Witten is the editor of IOL.
