SUPPORT FOR BUDGET VOTE NO 20
- BUT MORE NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED
 

Cape Town: 23 May 2006

Today in Parliament, Ms. Sybil Seaton, Deputy Chief Whip of the IFP, supported the Budget Vote of the Correctional Services, but stressed the urgent need for new prisons, alternative sentencing and work prisons.

Ms. Seaton said:
"There is a desperate need for the 8 proposed new prisons, as the current occupancy rate is at 137%. At that rate, it is extremely unlikely that the Department can adequately maintain human dignity, social responsibility and development. We need firm proposals and indication of time frames for these building programmes, if the Portfolio Committee is to support this year's budget allocation."

Further, Ms. Seaton said: "The time has come for the Department of Safety & Security, as well as Justice to take some responsibility for the short comings in the system and come to agreement with the Department of Correctional Services on alternative sentencing, which include community service for minor offences. Also, to speed up the waiting period for those convicted in the Regional Courts awaiting sentencing in High Court."

In conclusion, Ms. Seaton stressed that the focus of rehabilitation should not get lost with the Department of Correctional Services. She said: "Work prisons are needed to assist rehabilitation, skills development and re-integration into society. Teamwork between the Department and Portfolio Committee is long overdue and imperative should the Department wish to achieve its aim."


For further information contact:
Mrs. Sybil Seaton: 083 412 0075
Noleen Hendricks: 082 886 9848