JOHANNESBURG - Prison activist Golden Miles Bhudu says it is time the mismanagement of South Africa’s prison system is fully exposed.
"We're in trouble here, that's why it keeps repeating itself," he says.
Parliament’s Correctional Services Portfolio Committee has found that the department was paying inflated prices for ingredients used to prepare food in prisons.
The controversial food supply contract, which raised serious concerns, was set to run for five years.
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The contract that blew the lid wide open was allegedly secured after Department of Correctional Services (DCS) Commissioner Makgothi Thobakgale centralised procurement in the prison system.
Suspended KwaZulu-Natal regional commissioner Mnikelwa Nxele blew the whistle on the procurement processes.
He was subsequently suspended, and the Labour Court ordered the Department of Correctional Services to pay him R1-million.
According to Nxele, Thobakgale did not consult regional commissioners and management when the procurement system was changed.
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He alleges he raised concerns but was sidelined, leading to his suspension.
Bhudu says this will continue until proper consequence management is implemented.
After appearing before the Portfolio Committee, DCS says prices will be amended in July.