Parliament grills Correctional Services over R22. 95 bread price tag
Image: Department of Correctional Services
Questions have been raised about the price of loaves of bread being procured by the Department of Correctional Services (DCS).
The Portfolio Committee on Correctional Services noted the steep increase from R13.36 in 2024/25 to R22.95 per loaf in 2025/26.
This follows a briefing to the committee by DCS on its use of consultants and an update on the establishment of bakeries in correctional centres, including the cost breakdown on bread supplied by external suppliers versus internal sources.
Chairperson Kgomotso Anthea Ramolobeng said the dissatisfaction by members was visible after DCS indicated it is now paying more per loaf for a bulk supply than normal South Africans pay in a retail store.
'It cannot be that we are paying so much. We note and welcome the input by the Minister that the procedure of appointment of contractors is being re-worked, as the price is excessive,' Ramolobeng said.
The Department of Correctional Services expands its national bakery programme.
Image: Timothy Bernard / Independent Newspapers
The committee also commended the DCS's efforts to achieve self-sufficiency in baking its own bread. This has led to saving over R27.4 million for the 2024/25 financial year.
Ramolobeng said that while they are pleased with this effort, more needs to be done to ensure that all correctional facilities have their own bakeries.
DCS currently has 11 bakeries nationwide that are managed by correctional officials.
These bakeries not only provide self-sufficiency and sustainability but also job opportunities for offenders, develop their skills, and save on costs.
The first bakery was opened at the Kgosi Mampuru II facility in 1992.
Since then, additional bakeries have been established across six regions. The Standerton and Pietermaritzburg bakeries were opened during the 2024/25 financial year, and the Durban bakery was commissioned on June 23, 2025, for test baking. When it becomes operational, 12 correctional centres will have bakeries.
Some of the bakeries that are in the planning and consultation phases, and the estimated target date of completion:
- Nigel (August 30, 2026)
- Krugersdorp (March 30, 2027)
- Helder Stroom (December 1, 2026)
- Brandvlei (October 15, 2026)
- Groenpunt (August 30, 2026)
- Upington (September 15, 2026)
- Overberg (September 15, 2026)
- Baviaanspoort (December 1, 2025)
The committee heard that in the 2024/25 financial year, 5.27 million loaves of bread were required/ordered from departmental bakeries and just over five million were baked – a shortfall of 270,870.
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