Chairperson, the Security Programme provides for safe and healthy conditions for all persons incarcerated, consistent with human dignity, and thereby provides security for personnel and the public. This programme has been allocated an amount of R4,4 billion for this financial year, which translates to 33,4% of the total budget. It is worth noting that 98% of this programme's budget is channelled towards compensation of employees. The allocation for this programme has been increased by 5,95% as compared to the 2008-09 allocation. We acknowledge that with this budget, the department intends to erect eight additional high-security fences and install biometric access control systems at eight correctional centres.
Talking about biometric access control reminds me of the recent expiry of the Sondolo IT contract with the Department of Correctional Services. Since the contract expired in April 2009, there have been concerns over security at the country's correctional centres. However, the department has assured the public that all is under control and that they have advertised 600 positions for staff to operate the security system.
Sondolo IT, a subsidiary of Bosasa, was awarded a contract in April 2006 to supply and operate hi-tech closed circuit television monitors at 66 correctional centres in the country. The contract between Sondolo IT and the Department of Correctional Services for a period of four years has cost the department over R250 million. This is the reason why the Security Programme of the department was allocated more funds over these years. For instance, in 2006-07 the Security Programme had a huge stake of the department's budget, amounting to R3,3 billion. Again, in 2007-08 and 2008- 09 this programme was allocated R3,2 billion and R3,9 billion, respectively.
It is unfortunate that the department did not train officials on the operation of this security system to take over when this contract expires. That is very unfortunate. [Interjections.] Unfortunate, yes. [Interjections.] Listen! Stop calling the Minister. Listen, now! The Minister is not Jesus on the cross. Listen, carefully!
The question on everybody's lips is: What is happening with this security system at the moment? That is the question. [Interjections.] Let me answer you now. We hope that the department has everything under control to prevent incidents such as the escape of Annanias Mathe and many others from correctional centres, including the awaiting-trial inmate Jean Claude LaCote from Johannesburg Correctional Centre. [Interjections.]
We acknowledge and recommit our faith in our judicial system for the conviction of Mathe ... [Interjections.]
Ni mamele, ke! [You must listen, then!]
... on 64 charges including rape, malicious damage to property and housebreaking. We also acknowledge the conviction of Correctional Services officials who killed four inmates at Krugersdorp Correctional Centre.
We acknowledge that the rate of escapes from correctional centres has dropped significantly. In 2007-08, the department recorded 79 escapes from correctional centres, as compared to 112 escapes in 2005-06. [Laughter.] Therefore, escapes are going to be far fewer than these 79 escapes, because this committee is here to work, not to play marbles, especially the ANC members in this committee. This can be ascribed to various measures implemented by the department, including Operation Vala - Baba Ndlovu, including Operation Vala! Maybe you don't know about Operation Vala, because you never attended our portfolio committee meetings - upgrading of personnel training; taking disciplinary action against negligent personnel; and continued evaluation of security directives.
The ANC supports Budget Vote No 18. I thank you. [Applause.]