Prisons Expand Inmate-Run Bakeries to Cut State Costs and Teach Skills

DURBAN — (exact date unavailable)

Correctional Services Minister Dr. Pieter Groenewald has expanded inmate-run bakeries across South Africa’s prisons to reduce outsourcing costs and increase self-sustainability. This follows the launch of a new bakery at Durban’s Westville Prison.

Groenewald stated the bakery programme saved taxpayers nearly R500 million last year alone. “This bakery alone will save R3 million annually for the taxpayer. Across all self-sufficiency projects last year, we saved nearly R500 million,” he said (Minister statement).

So far, 13 prison bakeries operate nationwide with expansion plans underway. At Westville, 50 inmates now produce over 3,800 loaves daily at R8 per loaf – significantly cheaper than the R23 per loaf previously paid to private suppliers (Department data).

The minister emphasised that beyond financial savings, the programme provides skills training for rehabilitation. “Beyond cutting costs, [it] equips inmates with valuable skills to help them reintegrate into society,” he stated (Minister statement).

Bakeries form part of a wider self-sufficiency strategy including vegetable farms, abattoirs and tree nurseries. These efforts grow in importance following a R11.7 billion departmental budget cut over five years.

“We’ll continue enhancing self-sufficiency to lessen reliance on the state and ensure inmates leave with real skills,” Groenewald added. Future plans include fully internalising prison food production and expanding vocational training (Minister commitment).