The Democratic Alliance on Sunday said it welcomed the news that awaiting trial prisoners would be provided with prison uniforms that would differentiate them from convicted inmates.

"Remand detainees are often held for long periods with only the clothes on their back, and no means to obtain clean clothes," said DA MP James Selfe in a statement.

The Sunday Times reported that the correctional services department would be providing a total of 44,000 prisoners at 243 correctional centres with new yellow uniforms. The colour choice will differentiate them from convicted prisoners who wear orange uniforms.

According to the newspaper, the project is expected to cost R31 million, with prisoners sewing the uniforms from fabric supplied by a private company.

"The DA believes that these prisoners awaiting their day in court should be treated with dignity, as is consistent with correctional services policy and our constitution," said Selfe.