DCS outlines plans for smooth transition as Mangaung Prison contract expires

The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) has reassured parliamentary members of its readiness to assume management of the Mangaung Correctional Centre (MCC) as the contract with Mangaung Correctional Services (Pty) Ltd. reaches its natural expiry on June 30, 2026.

Deputy chief commissioner Joseph Katenga expressed confidence in the department's preparedness for the transition.

“We are aware it is not going to be a smooth transition but as the department we are ready when the time comes,” said chief deputy commissioner for strategic management, Joseph Katenga.

The Correctional Services Portfolio Committee was briefed on the takeover.

In 2023, the department served the Mangaung Correctional Services (Pty) Ltd. with a notice to terminate the contract in the wake of the escape of prisoner Thabo Bester.

The 90-day takeover notice was not implemented owing to pending legal challenges from MCC.

Minister Pieter Groenewald said they decided against pursuing litigation to save costs.

“The best option for DCS and taxpayers was that the contact runs out its natural death. It also acknowledges possible risks and a lot work had to be done,” Groenewald said.

A presentation to the committee showed that branches and the task team led by regional commissioner Subashini Moodley are working together to ensure a smooth transition.

The department anticipates deploying between 50 and 100 officials to the MCC three months prior to the changeover, while also integrating branches to undertake specific activities that would facilitate the takeover.

A total of 780 posts must be filled to ensure effective management once the DCS assumes control.

The department said the blueprint for MCC takeover will be used for Kutama-Sinthumule Correctional Centre takeover which will be on  April 1, 2027.

While the department is progressing with its plans, concerns were raised by parliamentarians about the potential job losses for MCC employees when the contract concludes and sabotage during the transition stage.

EFF MP Carl Niehaus said he had strongly opposed the privatisation programmes when he was the chairperson of the then portfolio committee and an ANC member.

“It is unfortunate that we have to put up with G4S until 30 June 2026,” Niehaus said.

DA MP Janho Engelbrecht commended the department for allowing the contract to expire rather than pursue litigation.

“It makes better sense because I don’t see a judge handing down judgement before June 30,” he said.

MK Party MP Lungisani Shangase feared that MCC employees will lose jobs and wanted to know about steps taken to ensure they did not sabotage the prison during the “sensitive” take over.

ANC MP Mzwanele Sokopo asked about risk mitigation plans to prevent escapes, labour instability and disruptions.

“There must be cooperation from the ones they take over from. Is there extra ordinary steps that if there is going to be that challenge?” asked Sokopo.

Groenewald said they took note of the concerns raised, but hastened to say the contract stipulated that “a private company must give cooperation to ensure there is a smooth take-over.”

Deputy Minister Lindiwe Ntshali-Ntshali said the deployment of personnel three months before the expiry of the contract sought to ensure the department was familiar with running the facility.

“These are officials that operate in maximum prisons,” she said, adding that R45 million budget for MCC’s public-private partnership will now be used for operational costs of the prison.

Katenga said they have identified the need to beef up security at MCC, and the deployment of personnel was to ensure security structures were in place, among other things.

“We will not only beef up security but all professions so that we don’t wait for July 1 to take over.”

He also said the most critical issue in terms of threats and risks was uncertainty and disruption of services.

“If services can be undermined, systems are switched off and people do not report for work, that will be critical risks. We have an emergency support team we are to identify and put on standby,” he said, adding that they have clear understanding with the unions.

He said the Moodley-led task team was monitoring progress weekly.

“Branches won’t rest to ensure that there is a smooth transition,” Katenga said.

mayibongwe.maqhina@inl.co.za