Chairperson, the ACDP clearly understands that as there is an increased focus on fighting crime with additional resources to police, detectives, prosecutors and courts, Correctional Services will be on the receiving end of this process, as more people are arrested and convicted.
Clearly, therefore, additional staff and resources must then be given to Correctional Services. And we have seen the results of underresourcing as it comes to overcrowding of our prisons, and it seems to be a refrain every year. Every year since I have been on the committee, since 1999, overcrowding remains a serious problem. It is 42% now, and is the root cause of health problems and the spread of diseases such as tuberculosis and HIV/Aids, and needs to be seriously addressed.
It is also disturbing that not only has the number of awaiting-trial detainees increased, but 70% of them do not receive bail, and therefore cannot be diverted. Now, the ACDP has previously said that sections 63(a) and 62(f) of the Criminal Procedure Act must continuously be applied - and I request the Minister to look into this - to release those particular awaiting-trial prisoners who are being detained at huge state expense and who do not present a danger to society. We are pleased that the Minister has announced the bail protocol in this regard, and, serving also on the justice committee, we'll definitely also look into that area.
The ACDP is also very concerned with the highest recidivism rate, 94%. Clearly the department is not succeeding in its offender rehabilitation and attention must be given to this aspect.
We fully support the proposal that prisoners must work and obtain skills so that rehabilitation can be assisted. We also need to support the Minister on the Child Justice Act. I have advocated that for many years. It is now an Act, and portfolio committee members need to make sure that it is implemented; children must not be in prison.
To conclude, whilst there are many and varied challenges facing the department, I would like to congratulate the Minister and thank all those dedicated staff members for their committed and hard work in the department, as I have done since 1999. Thank you very much. [Applause.]