Committee Second Term Programme & Planning for Western Cape Visit

CORRECTIONAL SERVICES PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE
3 May 2007
COMMITTEE SECOND TERM PROGRAMME & PLANNING FOR WESTERN CAPE VISIT

Chairperson: Mr D Bloem (ANC)

Relevant documents
Committee Second Term Programme

Audio Recording of the Meeting

SUMMARY
The Committee adopted its Programme for the Second Term of Parliament and its minutes of previous meetings, and also discussed its upcoming visit to Western Cape prisons in May. In other business, the Chairperson announced the newly appointed Commissioner for Correctional Services, Mr. Wim Peterson. The Committee discussed its relationship with the Parole Board and how it impacted on the early release of rehabilitated inmates.

MINUTES
Introduction by Chairperson
The Chairperson outlined the agenda for the day which comprised of planning for the oversight visit in the Western Cape. He stressed the importance of adopting the program and stressed that every member of the Committee must be present for the Budget Debate on the 18^th of May.

He announced the approved appointment of the new Commissioner for Correctional Services, Mr Wim Peterson. Mr Peterson will be introduced officially to the Committee by the Minister in due course. Significant time and effort that was taken in selecting the newly appointed Commissioner. The selection panel comprised both the Minister and Deputy Minister of Correctional Services, the Ministers of Housing, Finance, Justice and Constitutional Development and Education, as well as several Directors-General. It was thus a very strong and competent team.

Mr S Mahote (ANC) sought clarity with regard to the previous reports mentioned by the chair and stated that they needed to be reviewed.

Ms S Seaton (IFP) stressed that all high profile security cases needed to be closely monitored.

Mr M Shah (DA) sternly stressed that all recommendations made by the committee should be followed up, especially the progress made the effect of interventions and the like.

The Chair person agreed with all the comments made by the abovementioned Members and held that all the matters will be dealt with at the meeting to be held on 5 June 2007.

Committee Second Term Programme
The Committee considered its programme for the Second Term and adopted it, without amendments.

Upcoming oversight visit to the Western Cape
The Chair stated that the Western Cape had been selected for a visit because it was the only province that the Committee had not yet visited. He highlighted that the Western Cape did not only comprise of Pollsmoor and Malmesbury prinsons, and for that reason other prisions would be vistied form 7 - 11 May 2007. He was delighted that seven Members had confirmend that they would be part of the delegation.

The Committee proceded to discuss logistics around travel arrangements.

Ms Seaton sought clarity as to whether Members were now receiving payments or refunds for expenses incurred on internal trips.

The Chair said that he would follow up on the query.

Ms Seaton stated that she would not be going on the trip as she had other commitments.

Ms S Rajbally (MF) commented on an article in the media which stated that previous offenders, at times, did their level best to get back into prison because they were unable to find employment once released. She cited a case that is currently frustrating her where the offender had been rehabilitated, but was not being released from prison. It would be wise for the Committee to meet with offenders who were about to go on parole.

The Chair agreed.

Mr N Fihla (ANC) stated that the Chairperson of the Parole Board should have strong communication with the community, if the rehabilitated offender is to be successfully re-integrated into the community.
 
Mr Shah stated that while it was necessary for the Committee to become involved, he nevertheless cautioned that the Parole Board might view its involvement as an unwarranted intervention. This could in turn result in release of prisoners being “as easy as pie” .

Secondly, he enquired as to how many rehabilitated offenders were currently employed by government or in its Expanded Public Works Programme. In his view inmates would be willing to be released if they knew that at least government was willing to employ them.

The Chair commented that the new Commissioner would deal with the problems. He held the new Commissioner in high esteem.

Mr Shah stated that he was not impressed with the fact that he was refused access to Westville Prison. Life should not be made difficult for Member of the Committee as they were only trying to help.

The Chair stated that the denial of access into the prison was not a personal attack on Mr Shah, but was instead a security measure. He suggested that new identification tags be made for Members. When done a communiqué will be issued to all various stake holders.

Adoption of minutes
The Committee adopted its minutes of previous meetings, without amendments.

The meeting was adjourned.