Correctional Services rejects R378m prisons tender scandal

14 April 2016

The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) has taken note of media reports pertaining to the alleged R378m prisons tender scandal.

The Department is concerned that, whilst it was following due process, this issue has now been brought into the media domain.

As much as DCS has opted not to participate in a “trial by media,” it is necessary to state that, as far back as September 2015, we have been engaging with National Treasury on issues of procurement.

It was DCS who requested the Auditor-General of South Africa (AG), as an independent entity, to look into this matter as part of the annual audit process. DCS will continue to engage with National Treasury on a number of matters. At this stage, this issue has gone public without the necessary responses from DCS. It is on record that it was agreed that the initial timeframe provided by National Treasury for DCS to respond to the findings of their technical review was insufficient.

Much of the information being referred to in the media is subject to confidentiality, rendering it impossible for DCS to fully respond to such allegations without breaking its confidentiality undertakings as per National Treasury regulations. Public discussion on this matter is restricted. DCS will provide a comprehensive response to National Treasury in due course.

DCS will continue to ensure the objective of sound financial management, in order to maximise service delivery through the effective and efficient use of resources.

Statement issued by Logan Maistry, Deputy Commissioner: Office of the National Commissioner, 14 April 2016