The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) has provided a detailed response to recent parliamentary questions concerning the high estimated costs of perimeter fencing at two correctional centres, as well as the current condition of fencing infrastructure across facilities in KwaZulu-Natal.
Responding to questions from the Democratic Alliance’s Kabelo Kgobisa-Ngcaba, Minister of Correctional Services, Dr Pieter Groenewald explained that the figures previously cited; R116.875 million for fencing at Kirkwood Correctional Centre and R116 million for Brandvlei Correctional Centre, were not based on formal quotations, but rather were preliminary estimates.
The Department clarified that, under the Preferential Procurement Policy Framework Act, public entities are prohibited from sourcing quotations based on estimated values. Instead, procurement must follow a competitive bidding process, particularly for projects of this scale. Consequently, no formal quotations or tender proposals were obtained, and no detailed cost breakdowns exist at this stage.
The figure for Kirkwood Correctional Centre was based on a requirement to secure approximately 47 kilometres of fencing, while Brandvlei’s estimate reflected comparable needs, taking into account site-specific considerations such as the terrain, soil conditions, and surveillance system requirements. The Minister further emphasised that no two fencing projects are identical; each perimeter fence must be custom-designed according to the facility’s security risk profile, environmental factors, and specific engineering requirements.
Given that no actual expenditure has been incurred, the Department has not launched an evaluation or investigation into the validity of the estimated R232 million combined cost. Should the project move forward, it will be subject to a formal procurement process that will invite competitive tenders, rigorous cost assessments, and technical evaluations to ensure value for money and compliance with all regulatory frameworks.
Kgopisa-Ngcaba further raised concern regarding the state of perimeter fencing at correctional centres across KwaZulu-Natal, whether the Minister found them to be “adequate,” and why these facilities were not referenced in previous responses. In addressing the matter, the Minister stated that all correctional centres, including those in KwaZulu-Natal, were initially constructed with perimeter fencing. However, the physical condition of many fences has deteriorated over time, primarily due to factors such as vandalism, theft, environmental damage, and the natural ageing of infrastructure.
The term “adequate,” the Minister noted, is subjective and must be assessed against specific technical standards issued by the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI). The omission of KwaZulu-Natal facilities from previous responses stemmed from the complexity involved in determining adequacy without a full technical inspection.
To this end, the DCS is currently undertaking comprehensive condition assessments of all facilities in the province, with perimeter fencing forming a critical focus area. These inspections involve specialists from multiple built environment disciplines, given the region’s unique challenges such as high levels of corrosion due to coastal weather and frequent storm damage.
The assessment process, which includes evaluations of structural integrity, surveillance capacity, and overall security effectiveness, is extensive and is scheduled for completion by the end of the 2025/26 financial year. Particular attention is being paid to critical fencing components including corner posts, line posts, fasteners, razor wire, foundations, and access gates. Most importantly, the ability of each perimeter fence to resist intrusion, prevent scaling, and support broader security objectives is a central criterion.
The Minister reaffirmed that the DCS remains committed to maintaining and upgrading security infrastructure at all correctional facilities, subject to budgetary availability and prioritisation based on assessed risks. Future upgrades or replacements will be benchmarked against approved standards and will prioritise facilities with the greatest vulnerabilities.
Furthermore, the DCS reiterated its intention to manage future fencing projects with strict adherence to procurement regulations, ensuring that any substantial investments are backed by competitive processes, detailed engineering designs, and robust project management. This approach is aimed at guaranteeing security, transparency, and financial responsibility.
The Department has also indicated that any major infrastructure upgrades, such as perimeter fencing replacements, will be integrated into broader national infrastructure planning in collaboration with the DPWI and the National Treasury, ensuring alignment with government priorities and fiscal oversight mechanisms.
Through these efforts, the DCS aims to enhance the security and resilience of South Africa’s correctional centres while maintaining public confidence in the correctional system’s management of its infrastructure and resources.
