Cape Town:The Department of Correctional Services is under intense scrutiny following a regression to a disclaimer audit opinion for the 2025/26 financial year. The Select Committee on Security and Justice has highlighted the need for immediate corrective action to address governance and financial management failures.

According to Parliament of South Africa, the committee emphasized the necessity for stronger internal controls, effective accountability systems, and measurable corrective actions to prevent recurring audit failures. These points were raised during the committee's review of the department's 2025/26 Annual Report, which, despite achieving 85% of its performance targets, revealed significant financial management issues.

Committee Chairperson Ms. Jane Seboletswe Mananiso urged the department to tackle the root causes of the disclaimer audit opinion, especially those attributed to technical glitches. She insisted on thorough scrutiny of these explanations to uncover the true reasons for the audit failures and to enhance future audit outcomes.

Mr. Virgil Gericke, a committee member, expressed concerns over the Minister's advice against legal action related to the audit opinion change, highlighting the need for the accounting officer to exercise their responsibilities independently. Mr. Gericke also stressed respecting the constitutional principle of separation of powers and avoiding any negative implications on the Office of the Auditor-General of South Africa.

Furthermore, the committee stressed the importance of consequence management and accountability. Mr. Phiroane Phala, another committee member, welcomed efforts to establish memoranda of understanding with neighboring countries but emphasized accountability for financial and administrative failures. He highlighted the issue of approximately 30,000 foreign nationals in correctional facilities and the need for international cooperation to address this challenge.

The committee also pointed out weaknesses in the integrated justice system, such as the lack of a unified inmate identification system, which undermines effective case management. Mr. Ofentse Mokae raised concerns about the partial implementation of the Integrated Inmate Management System and called for accelerated rollout and improved reliability of inmate records.

Concerns were also raised about prolonged remand detention and vacancies on parole boards. The committee plans to engage with parole boards to understand and address operational challenges. Additionally, the committee emphasized the need for rehabilitation programs to lead to successful reintegration and reduced reoffending.

The Select Committee on Security and Justice will continue to monitor the department's progress on these issues, aiming for improved audit outcomes, enhanced inmate management, and effective rehabilitation and reintegration of offenders.