renovation and construction of new centres during government Imbizo, Beaufort
West
27 October 2006
The Department of Correctional Services is currently involved in a massive
job creation project related to the refurbishing and renovation of correctional
centres, including the Beaufort West Correctional Centre. This is a project
that is currently providing job opportunities to a number of locals in various
local councils.
This was announced by the Minister of Correctional Services, Ngconde
Balfour, during the Government Imbizo attended by hundreds of people at the
Rugby Sports Ground in Beaufort West, today, Friday, 27 October 2006.
Minister Balfour said this is a job creation project that is boosting the
local economy and is one of the major government interventions in terms of job
creation and strengthening the local economy. He said the department has
decided to amend its policy on employment age from 18 to 35 years, to commence
from 22 to 40 years to accommodate a wide range of employable and qualified
persons.
This is a government intervention aimed making a dent and impact in
resolving some of the challenges facing local government in terms of service
delivery and job creation. This aims to enhance Project Consolidate by
unblocking delivery blockages and further enhancing the capacity of local
councils to improve service delivery.
Minister Balfour said one of the major challenges facing the Beaufort West
local council and its community at large, is unemployment. "Our interventions
at this level therefore are aimed at enabling this council to develop job
creation initiatives for the benefit of this community at large," he added.
He also announced that the project of the construction of the new
correctional centres as announced by the President is continuing as opposed to
some media reports that have resurfaced claiming that this programme has come
to a halt. "Through this project we are going to ensure massive job creation
opportunities at local government level. This is our major commitment and
contribution to strengthening the local economy in the various local councils
where these centres will be built," said Minister Balfour.
Minister Balfour said there were many concerns that have been raised with
regard to the relocation of the Beaufort West correctional centre from its
current location within the town to a more secure environment. "Whilst we have
not officially adopted a particular position on this matter, we however will
attend to any suggestions and representations that are aimed at providing
solutions to this issue and also facilitating job creation in the process," he
said.
Minister Balfour said however there was currently no budget allocation for
the construction of the new centre in this town. He also announced the
strengthening of the parole system to ensure that only deserving and
rehabilitated offenders are given a second chance by being released on
parole.
He also called upon the local community and local council to join hands and
form partnerships with government and the Department of Correctional Services
in the rehabilitation and social reintegration of offenders. "This is Operation
Masibambisane, a campaign aimed at ensuring that together we enhance
correctional services in providing solutions in terms of correcting offending
behaviour and integrating those that have offended, into society," he
concluded.
Minister Balfour will hold the next Government Imbizo in Kimberly, on
Tuesday, 31 October 2006, where he will also make a major announcement with
regard to the construction of the new generation centres.
For media enquiries, contact:
Luphumzo Kebeni
Ministerial Spokesperson / Media Liaison Officer
Ministry of Correctional Services
Cell: 082 453 2244
Issued by: Department of Correctional Services
27 October 2006
Source: Department of Correctional Services (http://www.dcs.gov.za)
