Closure of Sitole Matter; Overseas trip

Correctional Services

10 November 1999
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Meeting report

CORRECTIONAL SERVICES PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE
10 November 1999
CLOSURE OF THE SITOLE MATTER, OVERSEAS TRIP AND FINALISATION OF SUB-COMMITTEE LISTS

SUMMARY
 

The committee passed a motion accepting the resignation of Khulekani Sitole. The committee chair announced that as far as the Portfolio Committee was concerned, the matter was officially closed. The committee finalised the names of members who were to embark on a trip to South America next year. The
names of members sitting on the committee's sub-committees were also finalised.

DISCUSSION
The chairperson, Mr Mokoena (ANC), opened the meeting by summarising the pertinent issues concerning the resignation of Mr Sitole. Sitole had appeared before both the Correctional Services Portfolio Committee and the Standing Committee on Public Accounts. The latter had recommended his dismissal as he was deemed unfit to hold office. The Correctional Services Portfolio Committee had invited various stakeholders, such as Popcru (Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union), the CSF (Correctional Staff Forum) and the Public Servants Association, to make submissions to the committee on Sitole's alleged mismanagement of public funds. Subsequent to Sitole's resignation, they had declined the invitation. The chair announced his intention to conclude the matter and invited members to comment.

Mr Diale (ANC) put forward a motion suggesting that the committee accept the resignation of Mr Sitole.

Mr Durand (NNP) concurred, but further suggested that the negative effects of Sitole's mismanagement of the Department need to be addressed.

In the absence of any objections, the motion to accept Sitole's resignation was passed.

Ms Sigabi (DP) proposed that the termination of employment be with immediate effect. Although Sitole has resigned, he is on special leave and thus officially remains employed by the Department. Given his gross mismanagement and the detrimental effect he has had on the running of the Department, he should be removed immediately.

Mr Mokoena (ANC) responded that this was not the prerogative of the committee. Such a decision was in the hands of the Public Service and the committee should not interfere with their processes. Mr George (ANC) felt that Sitole personally no longer constitutes a threat to the Department, but that the negative spin-off effects of his mismanagement should be focussed upon.

Mr Mokoena (ANC) agreed. He said that a workshop has been scheduled for the beginning of 2000, to chart the way froward. In the meantime the Provincial Commissioner for Gauteng will act as the National Commissioner for Correctional Services, until such time as a permanent Commissioner is appointed. The nine Provincial Commissioners will also appear before the Portfolio Committee on the 17 November to make submissions on the state of correctional services in the provinces.

Ms Seaton (IFP) uttered a word of caution with regard to the committee's assumptions about the state of affairs in the Correctional Services Department as a result of Sitole's misdeeds. She pointed out that Sitole had been accused of financial mismanagement and had consequently resigned. The committee cannot infer that the Department is riddled with large-scale corruption etc.

Mr George (ANC) responded vehemently to what he perceived to be a defence of Sitole's actions. He pointed to the Department's submission to the Portfolio Committee last week as evidence of the dismal state of the Department.

Mr Mzimela (UDM) raised a new issue concerning the youth facility at Baviaanspoort. He maintained that the facility, which cost R 173 million, is lying vacant despite overcrowding at other facilities. At the committee meeting last week, Sitole had indicated that the facility was being used to detain 600 youths. Mr Mzimela requested that the departmental officials that had failed to correct Sitole's deception be censored, and that the reason for the facility not being used, be given.

Mr Mokoena (ANC) agreed. He indicated that the relevant provincial Commissioner would be questioned on the matter at the meeting next week. Mr Mokoena then requested that a letter from one of the inmates at Barberton Prison be read. The letter alleged misconduct on behalf of Correctional Services Staff.

Mr Mzizi (IFP) said that torture, mismanagement and corruption is indeed rife. The IFP opposes this, but suggests that no hasty action be taken that might contravene the Constitution.

Mr Mokoena (ANC) raised the next item on the agenda. Owing to the large-scale movement of drugs from South America to South Africa, the Portfolio Committee is planning a trip to Columbia, Chile and Brazil on 16 January next year. The trip will last about 8 days, during which members will conduct a tour of the worst, average and best prison facilities in these countries as well as have discussions with various officials. The names of those in the delegation were finalised.
In addition to the overseas trip, the committee may also visit the Correctional Services training college in Kroonstad in February next year.

The last item on the agenda, was finalisation of the sub-committees. The Correctional Services Portfolio Committee is to be divided into three sub-committees namely, the Sub-Committee on Transformation, the Sub-Committee on Budget, Administration and Legislation and the Sub-Committee on Social Affairs. The names of those sitting on the various sub-committees were clarified.

Ms Seaton (IFP) asked that copies of the lists be distributed.

Mr Mokoena raised the issue of access cards to prisons for members of the committee. A Departmental official assured the chair that cards would be forthcoming as soon as arrangements can be made to have the member's photographs taken.

Ms Sosibo (ANC) suggested that pressure be put on the Department to issue the cards.

Mr Mokoena (ANC) requested that arrangements be made to take the photos next week. He adjourned the meeting.

 

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