Photo for illustration. (Photo: Isabel Venter / Maroela Media)
The department of correctional services says it is ready to take over the full operating responsibility of the Mangaung correctional center in the Free State from 1 July this year when the existing public-private partnership agreement comes to an end.
During a presentation to the portfolio committee on correctional services in parliament on Tuesday, the department confirmed that all systems and preparations are in place to allow the transition to take place without interruptions.
The Mangaung Correctional Center has been managed since 2001 in terms of a public-private partnership. The agreement between the department and Bloemfontein Correctional Contracts (BCC) expires on 30 June this year.
According to the department, extensive planning and implementation processes have already been completed to ensure a smooth takeover of the facility.
The department has put together seven dedicated work streams to manage the transition. The teams were responsible for different aspects of the takeover, including security, service delivery and prisoner management.
A comprehensive recruitment process is also underway to strengthen the centre’s staff. A total of 668 jobs, including professional, specialist and trades positions, were advertised on 17 April. The department expects the recruitment and selection process to be completed by 30 June.
Photo for illustration. (Photo: Isabel Venter / Maroela Media)
According to the department, 76 officials have already accepted service at the centre.
Furthermore, 60 members of the emergency support team were identified, trained and deployed to carry out a comprehensive gang profiling exercise at the centre. This forms part of efforts to strengthen security and ensure a stable correctional environment.
The department also referred to ongoing legal proceedings regarding a judgment of the labor court regarding the transfer of employees currently employed by G4S at the Mangaung Correctional Centre. The department has appealed the ruling and the case is still subject to legal proceedings.
According to the department, “all prisoners in the center have approved correctional sentencing plans and are still classified as maximum security prisoners”.
“The transition of the Mangaung Correctional Center represents an important milestone in the department’s efforts to strengthen the state’s ability to manage correctional facilities,” the statement said.
The department says it is confident that the center will function fully under the administration and management of the department from 1 July.