Minister Groenewald Secures 50 Farms for Prisoners in Drive Toward Self-Sufficiency

In a bold new plan that could reshape the operations and costs of South Africa’s correctional system,

Correctional Services Minister Pieter Groenewald has secured 50 farms to help South African prisons grow their own food, cut costs, and equip inmates with practical life skills.

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The farms form part of the Department of Correctional Services’ (DCS) Self-Sufficiency and Sustainability Strategy, aimed at reducing food procurement costs (currently close to R1 billion a year) while training inmates in agriculture, food processing, and related trades. Groenewald says the initiative will also reduce idle time that fuels gang activity and move prisons toward long-term self-reliance.

According to the Minister, bakery and farm operations have already saved the department over R130 million in provisioning costs. By expanding agricultural production, DCS hopes to further shrink dependency on external suppliers and enhance rehabilitation through work and training.

Foreign Nationals and Costs

Groenewald has also reignited debate over foreign national inmates, arguing that roughly 26 000 foreign prisoners should serve their sentences in their home countries. He claims they cost South African taxpayers R11 million daily. While critics warn of diplomatic and human rights complications, the minister has urged cooperation with Home Affairs to explore legislative mechanisms enabling deportations.

Challenges and Oversight

Despite its promise, the plan faces major hurdles: ensuring land quality, infrastructure, and effective management; securing agricultural expertise; and safeguarding human rights. The Minister insists participation will remain voluntary and rehabilitative, but civil-society groups are expected to monitor the programme closely.

South Africa’s prisons are already overcrowded, complicating new operational logistics. Allegations of corruption and weak oversight also raise concerns about implementation capacity. Opposition parties have questioned Groenewald’s visibility on recent oversight visits, adding to public skepticism.

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Early Progress and Next Steps

DCS’s self-production drive is already under way, with prison bakeries in Westville and other facilities producing thousands of loaves daily. New bakeries are planned for Nigel, Brandvlei, Helderstroom, and Durban, complementing the new agricultural projects.

Groenewald says the department must innovate and generate its own revenue streams instead of relying solely on the Treasury. Implementation schedules, performance tracking, and transparency will be key to the programme’s credibility.

A Bold Gamble

If successful, the 50-farm initiative could transform correctional operations - lowering food costs, improving rehabilitation, and promoting skills-based reintegration. But poor planning or oversight could turn it into another costly experiment.

For now, the project represents a bold step toward reform, blending economic pragmatism with rehabilitation. Whether it becomes a model of sustainable incarceration (or a cautionary tale) will depend on execution and accountability in the years ahead.