The Department of Correctional Services has launched a prison bakery opens at Westville to reduce spending and improve rehabilitation. Minister Pieter Groenewald opened the R7 million facility, which produces 3 840 loaves of bread daily. By baking bread in-house at R8 a loaf instead of paying R23 to suppliers, the state will save about R3 million each year. This approach ensures better control over quality while lowering operational costs.
Training and Rehabilitation Through the Bakery
The prison bakery opens at Westville also focuses on rehabilitation. Over 50 inmates are training in baking, and upon completion, they will receive certificates to help them find jobs after release. According to Groenewald, providing practical skills is essential to reducing reoffending and helping offenders reintegrate into society successfully.
Addressing Overcrowding and Delays
In addition to launching the bakery, Groenewald addressed long-standing challenges in the prison system. Overcrowding and slow trials affect thousands of inmates. More than 3 000 prisoners remain behind bars because they cannot afford bail of R3 000 or less, while some have waited over a decade for trial. To address this, the department is developing a bail fund.
Managing the Cost of Foreign Nationals
The prison bakery opens at Westville launch also highlighted the high cost of housing foreign nationals. There are over 26 000 foreign detainees, including 13 000 awaiting trial, costing taxpayers more than R11 million a month. Legislation expected next year aims to speed up deportations and reduce expenses.
Fighting Corruption in Prisons
The department has acted firmly against corruption, removing 155 officials caught smuggling contraband. Police are called immediately when illegal goods are found, and in July alone seven major raids took place across several prisons.
Expanding the Bakery Programme Nationwide
The prison bakery opens at Westville is part of a broader plan to make prisons more self-sufficient. By 2028, the department intends to build 20 similar bakeries across the country. This expansion will not only reduce costs but also provide more inmates with training and a better chance at reintegration.
The success of the prison bakery opens at Westville demonstrates how targeted projects can achieve financial savings while promoting rehabilitation and public safety.
