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🔥🇿🇦 What Pieter Groenewald Achieved at Correctional Services That Others Failed to Deliver Since 1994 For decades after independence, South Africa’s Department of Correctional Services struggled with the same problems: rampant corruption inside prisons, criminals running syndicates from cells, endless food tenders draining the budget, weak rehabilitation, and a parole system that kept feeding crime back onto the streets. Under Minister Pieter Groenewald, several long-standing failures are being directly confronted — not just acknowledged. 🔒 Breaking Criminal Control Inside Prisons For the first time in years, prisons have seen consistent, large-scale security raids targeting contraband such as cellphones, drugs, weapons and cash. These operations are aimed at dismantling criminal networks operating from behind bars — something previous ministers spoke about but failed to enforce systematically. Officials implicated in corruption are increasingly facing disciplinary action, sending a clear message that prisons will no longer be safe havens for organised crime. 🌾 Ending Costly Dependence on Food Tenders One of the most significant shifts has been the move toward inmate-led food production. Farms attached to correctional facilities are being used to grow food for prisoners themselves. This reduces reliance on external suppliers, cuts costs, and weakens tender corruption — a problem that plagued the department for years without a real solution. 🍞 In-House Production and Skills Development Correctional centres are now producing essentials like bread internally through prison bakeries. Beyond saving money, inmates receive practical skills training that can be used after release. Rehabilitation is no longer just theory — it is tied to real work and discipline. ⚖️ Tackling a Broken Parole System Groenewald has openly admitted that the parole system has failed the public. Repeat offenders released too early have continued violent crime. His focus has shifted toward tighter parole assessments, professional oversight, and accountability — areas that were largely ignored or politicised by past administrations. 📉 From Talk to Action While overcrowding and budget constraints remain serious challenges, the difference under Groenewald is visible: • Less tolerance for criminal control inside prisons • Reduced dependence on corrupt supply chains • Greater emphasis on self-sufficiency • Rehabilitation linked to discipline and skills, not slogans 👉 For the first time since 1994, Correctional Services is being treated as a security and rehabilitation institution — not just a warehouse for criminals.