The Minister of Correctional Services, Dr Pieter Groenewald, has reaffirmed the Department of Correctional Services’ (DCS) commitment to self-sufficiency, cost-saving, and offender skills development with the official opening of a new bakery at the Durban Management Area in KwaZulu-Natal on 14 August 2025.
Accompanied by DCS National Commissioner, Mr Makgothi Thobakgale, Dr Groenewald announced that the facility will save the Department an estimated R3 million annually. This contributes to the R500 million saved in the previous financial year through various self-sufficiency and sustainability initiatives.
“This bakery is a prime example of self-sufficiency. Offenders will now bake bread for their own consumption, reducing costs to the taxpayer. We will produce a loaf of bread at R8.00, compared to the current R23.50 we are buying from external suppliers,” he explained.
The bakery will also serve as a training ground for 50 inmates working there on a rotational basis, equipping them with baking and entrepreneurial skills to improve their chances of employment or starting small businesses after release.
This is the 13th bakery established by DCS, with plans to expand to 20 bakeries by 2028.
In line with its rehabilitation mandate, Dr Groenewald emphasised that the Department has both a legal and moral responsibility to serve South Africans efficiently and to maximise value for taxpayers.
Following a tour of the bakery, the Minister praised its pristine condition and commended the National Commissioner, correctional officials, and all partners who contributed to its refurbishment and equipment installation.
Offender Mlindeni Xaba (30), serving an eight-year sentence for robbery, expressed gratitude for the opportunity. “We are thankful to the Department for giving us a chance to learn new skills and for treating us humanely as we work towards the right path,” he said.