In its presentation before the Portfolio Committee in Parliament today (Tuesday, 2 June 2026), the Department of Correctional Services (DCS) confirmed its readiness to assume full operational responsibility for Mangaung Correctional Centre with effect from 1 July 2026. This follows the conclusion of the 25-year Public-Private Partnership (PPP) agreement between the Department and Bloemfontein Correctional Contracts (BCC).
The PPP contract commenced on 30 June 2001 and will formally expire on 30 June 2026. In preparation for the transition, the Department has undertaken extensive planning and implementation processes to ensure a seamless transfer of operations. The Department has presented its operational readiness plans and can confidently affirm that all systems are in place for the successful assumption of responsibility.
As part of the integration process, Mangaung Correctional Centre will be incorporated into the Department's operational structure and will fall under the Grootvlei Management Area. To coordinate the transition, the Department established seven dedicated workstreams, each tasked with specific areas of responsibility. These workstreams have systematically executed their mandates to ensure uninterrupted service delivery, security, and offender management from the first day of the Department's administration.
A comprehensive recruitment process is currently underway to strengthen the Centre's staffing complement. A total of 668 centre-based posts, including professional, specialist and artisan positions, were advertised on 17 April 2026, with the recruitment and selection process expected to be finalised by 30 June 2026. A total of 76 officials have already assumed duty at Mangaung Correctional Centre.
In addition, 60 Emergency Support Team (EST) officials have been identified, trained, and deployed to conduct a comprehensive gang profiling exercise at Mangaung Correctional Centre as part of strengthening security and ensuring a stable correctional environment.
The Department notes ongoing legal proceedings relating to a Labour Court judgment concerning the transfer of employees currently employed by G4S at Mangaung Correctional Centre. The Department has exercised its right to appeal the judgment, and the matter remains subject to legal processes.
The Department further confirms that all offenders accommodated at Mangaung Correctional Centre have approved Correctional Sentence Plans in place and that all inmates currently remain classified as maximum-security offenders. Appropriate offender management systems have been reviewed and aligned to ensure continuity and compliance with departmental standards.
The transition of Mangaung Correctional Centre marks a significant milestone in the Department's efforts to strengthen state capacity in the management of correctional facilities.
The Department of Correctional Services is confident that, upon the expiry of the PPP agreement on 30 June 2026, Mangaung Correctional Centre will be fully operational under the administration and management of the Department of Correctional Services from 1 July 2026.
Enquiries:
Singabakho Nxumalo
Cell: 079 523 5794
E-mail: Singabakho.Nxumalo@dcs.gov.za
Call Centre: 0860 000 327
E-mail: enquiry.complaints@dcs.gov.za
YouTube Channel: @DCS_ZA//dcstvsouthafrica4374
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