The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) and Saai today signed a Memorandum of Understanding to optimise the Department's agricultural production.
The memorandum paves the way for a long-term partnership that will address three key areas, namely food production, rehabilitation and reintegration.
In terms of the partnership, Saai will provide technical advice and support to the Department's farms at no cost to the Department and will transfer its agricultural expertise to the Department. Central to the agreement is that no money will change hands between the parties.
The partnership will begin as a twelve-month pilot project at six correctional centres in Gauteng, North West and the Free State, namely Leeuwkop, Zonderwater, Baviaanspoort, Losperfontein, Groenpunt and Grootvlei. Saai will assess each centre's agricultural land, water availability and infrastructure, and draw up a development plan that addresses that centre's needs. The results, including food production, savings and the number of offenders trained, will be measured to determine whether the model can be extended to other centres.
Increased agricultural production means less food has to be purchased for offenders, bringing further savings for the taxpayer. The aim is for facilities to be as self-sustaining as possible. The partnership also gives low-risk offenders the opportunity to gain practical experience and skills and to receive recognised, accredited training. This gives them a better chance of finding employment after their release. It also directly invests in the safety of the communities to which offenders return by reducing the risk of reoffending.
The vision is for offenders to produce as much of their own food as possible, be better rehabilitated and return to their communities after release as law-abiding citizens.
Enquiries:
Ms Euné Wessels
Media Liaison Officer
Office of the Minister of Correctional Services
Cell: 079 492 5234
E-mail: eune.oelofsen@dcs.gov.za
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