Hon Chairperson, our Correctional Services is plagued with many problems, one of which is overcrowding. South African prisons are notoriously overcrowded and are seen as a breeding ground for criminality. This is an unsustainable situation which must be remedied if 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% in 2004 to 142% 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 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.