Baku:Parliament The Portfolio Committee on Correctional Services announced its intention to uphold its oversight mandate to ensure the Department of Correctional Services (DCS) adheres to court orders related to a labour dispute involving former G4S employees at the Mangaung Correctional Centre, now Grootvlei Correctional Centre.
According to Parliament of South Africa, the Committee Chairperson, Ms. Kgomotso Anthea Ramolobeng, emphasized that their role is to ensure the department complies with legal processes and court orders, not to judge the legal merits of the dispute. The committee met to address oversight responsibilities after requests from G4S employees to enforce a court ruling for their absorption into the DCS. An update briefing covered the operational transfer of the facility and related issues, such as staff uniforms and facility conditions.
The committee noted guidance from Parliament’s Constitutional and Legal Services Office on judicial independence and oversight. The Labour Court ruled in May 2026 that the Mangaung facility transfer constituted a business transfer under the Labour Relations Act. The committee is concerned about the department's unsuccessful attempts to challenge this ruling and its recent refusal for leave to appeal.
Ms. Ramolobeng stated the committee expects the National Commissioner to report on the department's legal stance and actions following the latest court decisions. The department must update the committee on legal processes and negotiations with the Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union (POPCRU) towards a potential settlement.
Negotiations between the DCS and POPCRU began in August 2026, with discussions starting later that month. The committee will monitor these closely, seeking clarity on the absorption of affected employees and addressing individual circumstances lawfully.
Regarding Grootvlei's operational transition, 489 of 682 positions have been filled, including 333 former G4S employees. Despite progress, the committee remains concerned about staffing and 103 identified vacancies, requesting a progress report by January 2027.
The committee praised the department for providing uniforms to officials and offenders but expects an inspection report on the Grootvlei kitchen before December. An oversight briefing in early 2027 will assess readiness for the transition of another facility, Kutama-Sinthumule Correctional Centre, whose contract ends in February.
Ms. Ramolobeng stressed the committee's commitment to monitoring the department’s legal and operational processes, ensuring compliance with court orders, and holding the department accountable for its decisions and progress.