Chairperson, hon Minister, at just over R15 billion to run, the Department of Correctional Services does not come cheap. Therefore it is important that proper attention be focused on the departmental exercise designed to effect cost savings.
An area of considerable concern is in relation to computer procurement. Correctional Services is part of the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security cluster. Logically, it should be easy for data and communication to be safely shared among the cluster members. Is this happening?
Secondly, all departments spend a considerable portion of their budgets each year on computer procurement. Separate tenders mean different systems and require consultants and experts to set them up. Surely, hon Minister, government as a whole can tender collectively for computers and communication systems. Why is this not happening? Why are systems not being standardised?
If Correctional Services had to join with other departments to collectively procure new maintenance programmes, government would achieve an economy of scale. This would allow for a substantial reduction in costs. Is this going to be done, Chairperson?
Cope supports the fight against crime and corruption as one of the five strategic priorities of the department. For Parliament to monitor whether this priority is being achieved, detailed targets need to be set. Progress reports need to be furnished. It is one thing to set the fight against crime and corruption as a priority, and another to achieve that goal.
In order for this House to be able to make a proper assessment of the department, the portfolio committee needs to know the results of the independent investigation into the abuse of inmates by warders; inappropriate relationships between inmates and warders; the smuggling of drugs into cells; the exchange of gifts, favours and money to warders on duty; and misconduct by warders on duty and off duty.
Detention of offenders is a big expense for the state. Inmates must therefore be properly rehabilitated. They must not return to prison. It is also important for them to help society and warn young people about their mistakes.
The development of remand centres is long overdue. We in Cope strongly believe that these remand centres should be as close to courts as possible. This will improve security and help cases to flow easily through the court system.
Chairperson, hon Minister, we in Cope wish to reserve our judgment on the seven-day establishment. We shall wait for statistics to evaluate its success. We trust that the department will keep us posted on the progress. It is unfortunate that there were procurement problems at the State Information Technology Agency. This prevented the purchase of tracking devices for the 12 targeted facilities. We hope that this has been fully resolved and that the necessary procurements have been made.
Cope believes that it is important to implement alternate strategies to imprisonment. We require progress reports on the agreements with the Department of Justice and other protection services.
Hon Minister, in principle, Cope supports the idea of the comprehensive offender skills development plan, as it is recommended for the 12 centres of excellence. We would like to get progress reports.
Two thirds of the budget gets used for the payment of employees. This leaves little for the rehabilitation of inmates. Cope also notes that only 30% of inmates are involved in skills development. This is a bad picture. If inmates do not have skills, they will revert to crime and return to prison. Correctional Services will therefore become a revolving door.
Cope will support this Vote on condition that we get these progress reports. Thank you. [Applause.]