The Department of Correctional Services led by Deputy Minister, Nkosi Phathekile Holomisa visited the females centre at the Johannesburg Management Area on 4 March 2024. The purpose of the oversight visit was to provide audience to the grievances and concerns raised by female inmates on a range of issues.
Deputy Minister Holomisa also took stock of the challenges faced by the Johannesburg Management Area which included amongst other, shortage of staff, dilapidated infrastructure and offender escapes.
Mulalo Sivhidzho, an inmate and PHD student with Unisa, made a special request to the Deputy Minister. “As a PHD student, part of my studies require that I conduct research and undergo data collection. As such, I have been sent from pillar to post when I request approval for data collection at the 10 identified centres, which include, Leeuwkop and Klerksdorp to mention but a few.
Other inmates raised matters of implementation of the Phaahla judgement and release of all inmates who qualified for the special remittance of sentence.
In his response to concerns raised, Deputy Minister Holominsa applauded female inmates who are trying to develop themselves through training and education while incarcerated. He further acknowledged the grievances brought before him.
“I note the issues raised, however I wish to advise you to further submit your grievances on the complains register for further processing. You might find that your grievance needs a local intervention and not necessarily an escalation. For instance, issues in the kitchen and the clinic can be resolved at the head of centre level” he said.
Gauteng Regional Commissioner, Moeketsi Mashibini, assured the female inmates that all their grievances will be given the desired attention.
“I wish to take this opportunity to thank our mothers, the female offenders for their good behaviour. Unlike the male offenders, we know that when female offenders raise complaints, they must be coming from a good place because we hardly have issues of strikes and escapes from them,” he said.