confusion
29 March 2006
The Department of Correctional Services has observed with great concern the
distortions that continue to make rounds in various media institutions around
the so called "expensive television". These reports, which insinuate that the
Department has stalled the building of prisons to purchase television sets for
inmates, are devoid of truth.
Correctional Services has embarked on a new strategy of strengthening
communication within the Department, particularly between head office, regional
offices and correctional centres. The facility is also useful for internal
communication within centres.
The funds utilised for the implementation of this project are drawn from the
Department's savings made from, among others, curtailing of overtime through
the phasing in the seven-day working week and the stabilisation of the medical
aid scheme - Medcor.
This first phase of this project will cost R159 million and includes the
installation of 6 000 fortified television monitors in board rooms, halls and
communal cells that are linked to control facilities in centres, regions and
headquarters in Pretoria.
The mandate of providing rehabilitation and development compels the
Department to also provide facilities for centrally controlled access to
educational television channels and video programmes on, amongst others,
offender rights and responsibilities, offender rehabilitation path, and HIV and
AIDS.
This project will culminate in a fully fledged two-way communication system
that will also improve security. The Department is excited about the project
because internal communication is one of the pillars for the provision of
security in a corrections environment and in improving correctional services
delivery in line with the Batho Pele principles in general.
Enquiries:
Manelisi Wolela
Cell: 083 626 0304
Issued by: Department of Correctional Services
29 March 2006
