Address by the Deputy Minister of Correctional Services, Dr Ngoako Ramatlhodi, MP, on the occasion of the Women's Day function at the Johannesburg Correctional Centre

Programme director, allow me to greet
MEC of Gauteng Community Safety and Liaison: Ms Faith Mazibuko
Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee: Mr Vincent Smith (MP)
Members of Parliament
Members of the Gauteng Provincial Legislature
Councillors
CDC: Jenny Schreiner
Management of the Johannesburg Correctional Centre
Members of the media
Offenders
Distinguished guests

As the month of August is, on us, ngithi malibongwe igama lamakhosikazi.

When we think of women we think of mothers, daughters and sisters; people who are in many ways the mainstay of society - be it at our homes or at schools or at other community institutions. Today we can gladly add to this list the many workplaces where women have made their mark. Today we acknowledge the great work done in all spheres of government and in society to empower women and to create space for them in the mainstream of our society and in our economy.

We are here today celebrating women in a prison; in this regard significant statistics about our female offender population is the fact that it constitutes only about two percent of the total offender population. This is remarkable as women make up more than 50% of the country’s total population.

There might be different theories that explain this phenomenon but I firmly believe women are certainly less inclined to commit crime. Of this small percentage, many women are convicted of aggressive crimes committed against their husbands, partners, or boyfriends. Often, such acts followed a history of abuse against them, which is an indictment against society in general and men in particular.

As a department we are committed to taking special care of the female offender population. Fortunately, because of their small number, female offenders are not subjected to the same levels of overcrowding that we have in male correctional centres. Realistically this means that we have to increase resources allocated to female correctional centres.

Furthermore our statistics on the female offender population indicate that as of 31 July 2011, there were 3 348 females inside our centres of which 957 were remand detainees. Of the 2 391 convicted females, a slight majority (1 103) has been convicted for economic crimes, followed by convictions for aggressive crimes (840).

We are extending and expanding programmes aimed at improving their educational and skills levels.

Throughout the years women in correctional centres have been renowned for their wonderful art work and this centre in Johannesburg is no exception. Art work created here has been exhibited and celebrated in many public places. Not only does expression through art demonstrate skills but I am sure it also contributes towards a positive mindset through constructive occupation.

I have had a look at what August 2011 holds for female offenders and can confirm that this month across the country altogether 44 female offenders will be placed from correctional centres back into their communities:

• In Gauteng it will be 7 female offenders
• In KwaZulu-Natal 2 female offenders
• In the Eastern Cape 6 female offenders
• In the Western Cape 27 female offenders
• In the Limpopo, Mpumalanga and North West (LMN) region 2 female offenders
• None in the Free State and Northern Cape.

These are normal releases or, parole placements and not special placements. I am glad for those who will be going home. Most of you will be expected to adhere to certain parole conditions. Please do that. I am sure if I ask anyone who is to be released whether they will want to come back, the answer will be a big no. But that depends only on one person and that is you.

I call on society to receive you back with open arms. You would have largely paid your dues by the time you are placed on parole, or completed your sentence. I urge you to take this opportunity and make a success of your lives. Let the past belong to the past and only take what you have learned from the past into the future. My best wishes accompany you.

For those that still have some time to serve, don’t despair. Your time will come. I urge you to utilise the remainder of your time with us to prepare yourself for greater and better things to come. Cooperate with the authorities and conduct yourself like women of our soil ought to do.

In closing, and because it is women’s month, I want to remind all of you that in March this year, the head of this correctional centre, Ms Sizakele Zwane was awarded the Masibambisane award at the department’s national excellence awards ceremony. The award goes towards an official who most excelled in promoting public and stakeholder ownership of corrections and for their excellent participation in improving the delivery of correctional services.

How appropriate that we are on her territory today!

A go tumiswe lebitso la bomme.

I thank you.