×

We've got news for you.

Register on SowetanLIVE at no cost to receive newsletters, read exclusive articles & more.
Register now

R8000 a month for each inmate

SOUTH Africa has about 160000 inmates in its prisons, at a cost of about R8000 a month for taxpayers for each inmate.

Speaking at the fifth annual National Corrections Excellence Awards at the Ranch Hotel outside Polokwane on Friday night, Correctional Services Minister Sibusiso Ndebele said according to the World Prison Brief, South Africa had the largest prison population in Africa and the ninth largest in the world.

The majority of these are young black men. About 23000 prisoners are released every month and 25000 new inmates are admitted, he said.

Ndebele said as from next month, it will be compulsory for every inmate who does not have a qualification equivalent to Grade 9 to complete Adult Basic Education and Training qualifications, levels 1 to 4, adding that "correctional centres are not for holidays". -mushianae@sowetan.co.za

Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.

Speech Bubbles

Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.