Overview
The Portfolio Committee on Correctional Services recently visited Grootvlei Maximum Correctional Centre in Mangaung. The visit uncovered problems with healthcare, food safety, and staffing. The centre, which can hold 2,928 inmates, is currently full. It was taken over by the Department of Correctional Services (DCS) on 1 July 2026 after 25 years under a public‑private partnership run by Bloemfontein Correctional Contracts (BCC), which had hired G4S to manage the facility.
Healthcare Concerns
- Medication Issues – Inmates told committee members that they sometimes received the wrong medicine.
- Supply Gaps – Some said they went without their chronic medication for up to three days in a row.
- Committee View – The chairperson, Kgomotso Ramolobeng, stressed that proper healthcare is a constitutional right for everyone in prison, so these reports are serious.
Impact on Former G4S Employees
- After the takeover, many former G4S workers were left without jobs.
- The committee expressed sympathy and said it is looking for ways to help them find other work.
- Legal advice has been sought from Parliament’s Constitutional and Legal Services Office to understand the committee’s role and any legal implications.
Food‑Safety Problems
- During the kitchen inspection, food samples required for 1 August 2026 were missing.
- Rules state that samples must be kept for 72 hours to allow testing if there are concerns about quality or food‑borne illness.
- The missing samples weaken accountability and make it hard to investigate any food‑related complaints.
- The committee urged the DCS to follow food‑safety rules strictly and keep proper records.
Staffing Shortages
- The facility has 309 vacant positions.
- The committee called on DCS to fill these posts by the end of September 2026.
- Of the 495 former G4S officials, 310 have already been hired by the department.
- For the remaining openings, priority should go to those ex‑employees who meet the minimum job requirements.
- Unsuccessful applicants should receive a written explanation of why they were not selected.
Recommendations
- Healthcare – Ensure a steady supply of correct medication and monitor chronic‑drug distribution.
- Food Safety – Keep all required samples and tasting records for the full 72‑hour window.
- Staffing – Fill vacancies quickly, give preference to qualified former G4S workers, and communicate decisions transparently.
- Support for Ex‑Employees – Explore training programs or other job opportunities within the correctional system or related sectors.
Conclusion
The oversight visit highlighted several urgent issues at Grootvlei Maximum Correctional Centre—gaps in healthcare, lapses in food‑safety procedures, and a notable shortage of staff. Addressing these problems promptly will not only protect the rights and well‑being of inmates but also help former workers transition smoothly into new roles. By acting on the committee’s recommendations, DCS can move toward a safer, more accountable correctional facility.
