Prison system under strain as remand backlog and budget cuts worsen overcrowding

What the minister told MPs

Tabling the department’s budget vote, Groenewald said the correctional system is operating in a “difficult environment” shaped by shrinking budgets, rising inmate numbers and long-term detention backlogs. He told the National Assembly the department must absorb budget reductions totalling R683.4 million over the medium-term expenditure framework.

Groenewald said the department’s total allocation for the current financial year is R30.939 billion, with a projection to reach R32.8 billion by 2029. He noted that more than 70% of the budget is consumed by personnel costs and warned that the budget cut is affecting staffing levels, infrastructure maintenance and safe custody.

Remand backlog and overcrowding

The minister highlighted the high number of remand detainees being held for extended periods without final sentencing.

“We even have people waiting for more than 10 years.”

He said the backlog was worsening, placing additional pressure on facilities, infrastructure and correctional officials.

Operational responses: raids, contraband and technology

Groenewald said security operations have been intensified, with unannounced raids rising from 466 to 1,406, a reported 200% increase. These operations resulted in the confiscation of 37,500 cell phones and other contraband.

He said that during the December and January holiday period alone more than 8,000 cell phones and over R102,700 in cash were seized. The minister characterised the findings as evidence of a more aggressive enforcement strategy rather than failure.

To curb cellphone use, Groenewald announced a strict zero-tolerance approach that will include a phased rollout of two-way radio systems and a ban on officials bringing personal mobile phones into facilities.

Self-sufficiency and cost savings

Despite the pressures, the department is pursuing internal reforms aimed at improving efficiency and reducing costs through expanded self-sufficiency initiatives. Groenewald said correctional centres have increased agricultural production and internal manufacturing, producing vegetables, meat, dairy products, uniforms and furniture for state use.

He highlighted the expansion of prison bakeries: following earlier openings in Standerton and Pietermaritzburg, a new bakery was launched in Durban in the 2025/26 financial year, bringing the total to 12 facilities nationwide. Groenewald said this had enabled the department to save more than R77.1 million on bread in the 25/26 financial year. He added that a 13th bakery at Qalakabusha was nearing completion and that there were plans to establish seven additional bakeries by 2028.

Discipline, recognition and training

The minister said 2,388 officials had faced disciplinary hearings during the reporting period, with 2,138 cases finalised. Of those, 137 were linked to contraband-related misconduct. Groenewald warned those involved in corruption or contraband smuggling would face consequences.

He also confirmed the reintroduction of long-service medals recognising service at 5, 10, 20, 30 and 40 years, and said 187 officials have already been honoured for 40 years of service. Groenewald said he had engaged heads of all correctional centres and directed the National Commissioner to strengthen training and introduce annual assessments for senior officials.

Minister’s closing message

Groenewald ended his address with a call to restore institutional integrity and protect the public through firm accountability.

“Each day presents a fresh opportunity to restore, improve and create hope for a future that is safe, peaceful and prosperous,”

he said, adding that correctional services would continue to protect South Africans through “discipline, accountability and hard and ethical work.”