Regional Correctional Commissioner says more offenders need to be allocated to factory work teams and work longer hours
The objective of the visit by the apex leader at the regional office was to ensure that the investment at Witbank Production Workshops is yielding results as expected.
Mr Tlabo Thokolo, the Limpopo, Mpumalanga and North West (LMN) Region Commissioner conducted an oversight visit at Witbank Production Workshops alongside his deputy, Ms Ruth Letsoalo in her capacity as the acting LMN Deputy Regional Commissioner.
The visit was on Friday, April 14.
The objective of the visit by the apex leader at the regional office was to ensure that the investment at Witbank Production Workshops is yielding results as expected.
Over a year ago, the workshops were given a facelift with equipment and machinery needed to manufacture uniforms and shoes for officials and offenders.
The Witbank Centre needs to take stock of all the additional machinery needed to boost the production of officials’ uniforms as the department needs to fast-track the self-sufficiency and sustainability project.
He advised the manager in the workshops to, “conduct an audit and initiate the procurement process for the additional needs for the factories.”
Training was offered to staff and offenders who were identified to labour in the textile and shoe factories.
Later in the year, additional experienced staff was contracted to render tailoring services for the textile factory.
Mr Thokolo expressed his dissatisfaction with the low stock produced but also affirmed his support for the success of the project.
He gave directions to remedy the current status quo; more offenders to be allocated to the factory work teams, meals of offenders to be served at the work stations and the number of working hours to be increased from five hours to an eight-hour work shift.
Reverend Mandla Sibanyoni, Witbank Area Commissioner, acknowledged the remarks by the Regional Commissioner and gave strict deadlines for the remedial actions to be implemented by the centre management.
He assured the Regional Commissioner that he would address all the concerns raised and thanked Mr Thokolo for his constructive monitoring and evaluation visits.
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