Cape Town:The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) faced scrutiny from the Portfolio Committee on Correctional Services over its apparent defiance of a Labour Court ruling regarding the G4S staff at Grootvlei Maximum Correctional Centre, previously called Mangaung Correctional Centre. The committee questioned the department's compliance with the court order and emphasized its oversight responsibility to ensure adherence to judicial decisions.
According to Parliament of South Africa, the committee reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the department complies with binding court orders related to the labour dispute involving former G4S employees. These employees were previously contracted when the facility was privately operated. Committee Chairperson Ms. Kgomotso Anthea Ramolobeng stressed the committee's role in holding the department accountable for its decisions and legal processes.
The committee's meeting was prompted by requests from affected G4S employees for intervention in the court ruling's implementation concerning their integration into the department. Additionally, the committee received updates on the operational transfer of the facility, including staffing and other logistical aspects.
The Labour Court had ruled on May 5, 2026, that the transfer of the Mangaung Correctional Centre constituted a transfer of business under Section 197 of the Labour Relations Act. Despite the department's unsuccessful attempts to challenge the ruling and its decision not to pursue further petitions, the court denied the department’s application for leave to appeal.
Committee members expressed concern over the department's failure to absorb G4S staff, despite having unfilled security positions at the Grootvlei Maximum Correctional Centre. The committee also noted that G4S staff have been without income since July 2026, raising humanitarian concerns.
The committee expects the National Commissioner to provide a comprehensive account of the department's legal stance and future actions. Regular updates on legal processes and negotiations with the Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union (POPCRU) are anticipated, with the expectation that these negotiations will address the absorption of affected employees.
The committee observed progress in filling positions at Grootvlei, with 489 of 682 advertised posts filled, including 333 former G4S employees. However, it remains concerned about the remaining vacancies and urges the department to address these promptly.
Additionally, the committee welcomed the provision of uniforms for appointed officials and offenders but expects an inspection report on the facility’s kitchen to be submitted before Parliament’s December recess. The committee plans to conduct an oversight briefing in early 2027 regarding the department’s readiness to take over the Kutama-Sinthumule Correctional Centre.
Ms. Ramolobeng emphasized the importance of resolving the court order matter lawfully and fairly, ensuring respect for employees' rights while maintaining correctional system stability. The committee remains committed to holding the department accountable for its actions and decisions.