Department of Correctional Services Opens Newly Established Westville Prison Bakery

• The Minister of Correctional Services, Pieter Groenewald, launched a newly-established bakery at the Westville prison in KwaZulu-Natal
• He said that the bakery was part of the government's continued efforts to roll out bakeries across different correctional facilities
• Many South Africans praised him and the initiative, and pointed out the benefits of inmates doing work behind bars

With 10 years of experience, Tebogo Mokwena, a Briefly News current affairs journalist, has provided insights into infrastructure challenges and state-owned enterprises in South Africa, having worked at Daily Sun and Vutivi Business News.

WESTVILLE, KWAZULU-NATAL — The minister of Correctional Services, Pieter Groenewald, launched a newly-established bakery at the Westville Correctional Services center in KwaZulu-Natal on 14 August 2025.

Groenewald said that the opening of the bakery was part of the governemnt's initiative to empower prisoners. The bakeries will save R3 million annually for taxpayers. They will be self-sustainable and depend less on funding from the state.

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So far, the Department of Correctional Services has introduced 13 bakeries in prisons. Groenewald said that the budget for correctional services was cut by R11.7 billion in the past five years. Thus, the bakery will produce over 3,800 loaves daily at a cost of R8 a loaf.

A look at South African prisons

Groenewald delivered his department's budget vote on 1 July 2025 and suggested that the National Assembly revisit corporal punishment. He said that the country is struggling with overcrowding in prisons, which are filled with suspects who cannot afford to pay small bail amounts.

The department revealed in August that the government spends R11 million daily on documented and undocumented foreigners in prisons. The department revealed that there were more than 25,000 foreign nationals in jails. About 13,444 of them were sentenced, and 12,145 were detainees.

What did South Africans say?

Netizens commenting on Facebook were impressed with Groenmewald.

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Ramokoka Tshediso said:

"doing away with tenders. Thank you, minister."

Sandisiwe Sonqo Mamthembu Qhudeni said:

"Well done, Oom Groenie. I like your approach. You will take this department far and save lots of money."

Alex Daniel said:

"Thank you, Mr Minister. That's what I call patriotic leadership."

Vusi Radehe said:

"Great job, minister. Tender entrepreneurs must fall."

Apiwe Mdlankomo said:

"Job well done. Let them produce to feed themselves and surrounding communities."

Siphiwe Jan Ngcobo said:

"Proud of our leaders at DCS."

Andile Ndlangisa said:

"This project began before his appointment, but we thank him for not sabotaging it."

Chumani Zweni said:

"Good job. Now this needs to happen to all management areas."

Pieter Groenewald resigns as FF+ president

In a related article, Briefly News reported that Groenewald stepped down as the president of the Freedom Front Plus to focus on his role as the minister and on the Government of National Unity. Groenewald said that the workload was too much for him to balance.

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Groenewald said that he informed President Cyril Ramaphosa of his intention to step down. Ramaphosa said he would like him to remain as a minister.

Source: Briefly News