Groenewald
By Lerato Mpembe
Minister of Correctional Services, Pieter Groenewald, has revealed that the department conducted 466 raids in correctional facilities across South Africa over the past year, confiscating over 33,000 cell phones, 20,577 weapons, 232kg of drugs, and more than R394,000 in cash, as part of a determined crackdown against criminality and corruption within the prison system.
Presenting the Department of Correctional Services’ Budget Vote in Parliament on Tuesday, Groenewald outlined a wide-ranging plan to restore discipline in correctional centres, improve oversight on parole processes, and pursue self-sufficiency to counter ongoing fiscal constraints.
466 Raids, 146 Dismissals: Tackling Lawlessness Head-On
The minister confirmed that a total of 466 raids were carried out in the 2024/25 financial year, part of a deliberate campaign to dismantle illicit networks operating behind bars. These efforts resulted in the recovery of:
• 33,000+ mobile phones,
• 20,577 sharpened objects,
• Over 122,000 items linked to alcohol and contraband,
• 232.16 kilograms of drugs,
• R394,000 in cash.
Groenewald also conducted numerous unannounced visits to correctional centres to personally assess conditions and enhance accountability.
“I can declare that in the past year, 466 raids have been conducted. I have also conducted numerous unannounced visits to numerous facilities. These unannounced visits and raids will increase in the coming year,” he said.
Disciplinary action was taken against officials found complicit in misconduct and corruption, with:
• 515 officials receiving final written warnings,
• 181 suspended without pay,
• 146 dismissed.
“We can only address our problems if we recognise their true extent,” Groenewald noted.
Rethinking Parole: No Release for Medium-to-High Risk Offenders
Turning to parole management, Groenewald acknowledged a growing backlog in life imprisonment cases, with 1,079 profiles processed since he assumed office. Of these, only 29 parole applications were approved, while 38 parolees had their release revoked, and three cases were escalated to the Correctional Supervision and Parole Review Board (CSPRB).
“I am very strict on that and I want to put it on record again: it doesn’t matter whether an applicant went through all the courses and the rehabilitation programmes in our facilities but when I receive a psychological report… and the risk of reoffending is medium to high, I will not approve any parole for that specific case,” said Groenewald.
The department has also begun a review of the entire parole system, ensuring public safety is prioritised over administrative convenience.
Budget Challenges: Cuts Compromise Security and Services
The Minister outlined the department’s budget projections:
• R29 billion for the 2025/26 financial year,
• Rising to R30 billion in 2026/27,
• And reaching R31.9 billion by 2027/28.
However, Groenewald warned of the consequences of fiscal constraints, with critical areas impacted, including:
• Security operations,
• Nutritional services,
• Capital works and infrastructure upgrades,
• Monitoring of parolees,
• Skills development programmes.
“The capital budget shortfall of R222 million undermines our ability to conduct infrastructure upgrades and critical maintenance. The escalating cost of food, fuelled by inflation and the growing number of inmates, including a sharp increase in foreign nationals, adds another layer of financial strain,” Groenewald cautioned.
Toward Self-Sufficiency: Correctional Farms and Bakeries Yield R157 Million in Savings
In response, the department is actively developing internal capacity to reduce reliance on the national fiscus.
• Bakeries at correctional centres increased from 9 to 11 (with new sites in Standerton and Pietermaritzburg), producing over five million loaves of bread, saving the state R27.1 million.
• Correctional farms generated R130.4 million in food savings during the past financial year.
• A revised 12-day meal cycle is expected to save an additional R200 million annually.
“This is but a step in the direction of becoming entirely self-sufficient. These figures reflect our commitment to responsible spending of the taxpayers’ hard-earned money,” he said.
Building a Corruption-Free Correctional System
Groenewald reaffirmed the department’s mission to build a corruption-free correctional service rooted in public trust, discipline, and safety. He promised intensified efforts to uproot corruption, innovate operationally, and improve staff morale.
“Our mission is to do the best – doing more with less. More savings of taxpayers’ money, more raids, greater discipline, bigger efforts to uproot corruption, more implementation of creative solutions, a bigger, happier workforce and ultimately, greater public trust,” he said.
A Safer, More Accountable South Africa
Concluding his remarks, Groenewald called on all roleplayers to reaffirm their commitment to justice, constitutional values, and the creation of a safe and rehabilitative correctional system.
“Let us reaffirm our commitment to a correctional system that serves the people, one rooted in integrity, accountability, and safety. Only then can we truly begin to restore hope, rebuild faith in the system, and move toward the safer South Africa we all deserve.”
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