Deputy Minister of Correctional Services Ms Hlengiwe Mkhize has urged all stakeholders and the South African public to work together with the Department of Correctional Services in addressing the plight of babies currently inside the correctional facilities.
The Deputy Minister said this whilst making a keynote address at the launch of the imbeleko project, a national initiative aimed at ensuring proper treatment and management of babies behind bars, at the East London Correctional Centre on 26 August 2009.
Let’s go back to our traditional cultural values where we did not have orphans, by introducing a support system where we could all introduce an 'adopt a child' programme by adopting a child at risk, through regular donation or volunteering as care workers in our children’s homes or villages.
The East London Medium C Correctional Centre is the only female centre in the Eastern Cape region and it boasts a day care centre, a playground, mother and child units and an Early Childhood Development unit, a textile factory all of these make the environment conducive for women and babies.
Eastern Cape Regional Commissioner Nontsikelelo Jolingana said the reason for the centralisation of all Eastern Cape women offenders into the East London Medium C was to bring all women together so that their needs can be catered for in one place and in a conducive environment.
Deputy Minister Mkhize stated that through the imbeleko project, they would be exploring alternative care and protection facilities outside the correctional centres, fully conscious of levels of violence against children prevalent in society today.
“In partnership with the Department of Social Development, we will adhere to all protocols and International humanitarian rights centred instruments,” she said.
As at 6 August 2009, there were 170 babies within correctional facilities countrywide; with Gauteng topping the list with 87, KwaZulu-Natal 23, Limpopo; Mpumalanga and North West region 20, Western Cape 19, Free State and Northern Cape region 12 and Eastern Cape 9.
The Deputy Minister stated that through this programme, the department seeks to create a child friendly environment within its facilities whilst the children are with their incarcerated mothers; secondly, to find alternate, secure protection centres, either with the extended family member or government institutions or private homes
The Correctional Services Amendment Act 25 of 2008 says babies have to stay inside the correctional centres with their mothers up to the age of two years.
Eastern Cape Premier Noxolo Kiviet delivered her message of support for the programme and acknowledged that correctional centres are not ideal places for the proper growth and development of the babies.
Enquiries:
Zama Feni
Cell: 082 558 3369 or 073 087 4172
Tel: 043 706 7814
Issued by: Department of Correctional Services
27 August 2009
