National Assembly:   17th September 2009

Honourable Speaker,

Our prisons are beset with many problems, one of which is overcrowding. South African prisons are notoriously overcrowded and are seen as a breeding ground for criminals. This is an unsustainable situation which must be remedied if the various social and other objectives are to be reached.

The IFP therefore welcomes comments made by the Correctional Services Chief Deputy Commissioner of Security that overcrowding has been reduced from about 164 percent in 2004 to 142 percent this year. This is a step in the right direction, but much more still needs to be done as while the situation has improved, overcrowding is still a major problem.

The IFP will therefore closely monitor the situation, especially the creation of additional capacity and the progress being made with regard to the various completion dates as highlighted by the Deputy Commissioner.

As long as prisons are overcrowded the rehabilitation of prisoners, and other objectives, will not be successful.

I thank you.

Contact: Helen Makhuba, 073 268 3063.