The Department of Correctional Services’ (DCS) Barberton Management Area has embarked on a self-sufficiency and sustainability project to produce white maize.
This initiative seeks to enhance rehabilitation and has been a resounding success for the DCS as well as contributing to a more environmentally conscious and socially responsible future.
According to the Barberton Medium B Centre co-ordinator of production workshops and agriculture, Jeffrey Sono, the agricultural project has yielded quite impressive results so far. “The maize harvest and other agricultural produce not only reduce reliance on external resources and promote long-term viability, but also support the department’s mission to rehabilitate and reintegrate offenders into society.
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“We also boast in other projects such animal production, plant production and agronomy/fodder projects. The animal production includes beef, dairy, pig and abattoir, while the plant production is fruits, vegetables and agronomy/fodder that produces yellow maize for silage, white maize for maize meal, and grass for hay bales. Additionally, the bakery provides bread for offenders.”
Sono indicated that the harvesting spree in 2023 yielded an impressive 13 500kg of white maize, which was then processed into 167 bags [50kg each] of maize meal, totalling 8 350kg of maize meal. He said that the management area plans to extend the project by an additional seven hectares in the 2024/25 financial year, which will further enhance self-sufficiency and sustainability efforts.
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The DCS’s Barberton Management Area commissioner, Midjohn Mhlongo, said the harvesting spree was a testament to hard work and dedication.
“Our area is committed to continue with the department’s efforts in sustainability and self-sufficiency. Through this programme, the DCS has demonstrated its commitment to innovation, sustainability and cost-effectiveness, ultimately benefitting both the offenders and the taxpayers.”
