Staff Reporter
Correctional facilities in the central region which includes the Free State and the Northern Cape have been the least affected by COVID-19 due to strict health protocols and low occupancy rates, among others.
“The Free State and the Northern Cape region is the second least affected in the country,” the Correctional Services deputy regional commissioner for the Free State and Northern Cape, Takalani Mahlamba, told journalists during a networking session at Grootvlei Correctional Centre in Bloemfontein on Thursday.
“The region with the least affected officials and offenders is Limpopo, Mpumalanga and the North West.”
He added: “The cumulative total of COVID-19 cases in the Free State and the Northern Cape is 785 . . . with 757 recoveries.
“We had 15 deaths and we have 13 active cases as we speak. This region has done very well compared to others in the country. It’s unfortunate that we have lost 15 souls.”
The correctional services department also showcased some of its projects which are run by inmates.
It has three farms in the central region situated at the Goedemoed Correctional Facility near Aliwal North as well as Groenpunt close to Sasolburg and Grootvlei.
The Grootvlei farm is the most diverse operation and it also produces for other correctional facilities in the central region.
It specialises in dairy farming, piggery, chickens, vegetable production and agronomy which includes the growing of fodder for the livestock.
Grootvlei agriculture manager Bellina Dube said most of the food consumed by inmates is produced at the farms.
“We produce our own food at these farms. The food is distributed to all correctional centres and any excess may be sold to staff or given to charity,” said Dube.
The Grootvlei dairy has 35 cows which produce about 770 litres of milk per day. Each cow produces at least 22 litres per day.
The piggery slaughters at least twice a month and at least 10 000 eggs are produced every month.
