Prison in U-turn after school transport for staff ’s children cancelled

THE Department of Correctional Services has been forced to temporarily back down on a decision to halt the school transport for children of its staff members after tension ran high at Voorberg Prison in Porterville yesterday.

The prison serves the areas of Piketberg, Citrusdal, Eendekuil, Redelinghuys, Eland’s Bay, Goedverwacht and Wittewater.

In December, workers were told of the department’s decision not to cover the cost of the transport because of budgetary constraints. There was anger as this decision had been taken without proper consultation, said Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union (Popcru) regional representative Dan Melaphi.

Department spokesperson Carla Williams said the instruction for cost containment came from National Treasury last year.

“Correctional Services must adhere, and as a result, the transport of children to school cannot be funded by Voorberg management area at this time. The transport service to school was not withdrawn, and is available, but the officials (parents) have to carry the cost themselves,” said Williams.

She said officials were informed on December 14, and the matter was referred to a higher level for consideration.

Later that day, Williams confirmed that an interim decision had been taken to continue transport today while they await the outcome of a referral to the national office for possible funding.

Melaphi said emotions were high as staff met officials, demanding answers. “The cancellation comes after the 2016/17 budget allocations were confirmed for the department, which confirmed the transport was renewed. This decision by the officials does not make sense and the staff want answers.”

He said DCS legislation stated that transportation for the children of staff must be provided for prisons in rural areas. He said staff either had to transport their children or arrange transport to schools in Malmesbury, Riebeek West and Cape Town.

“Some could not attend work because of this. We do not know what is going to happen tomorrow. The area commissioner is on leave and acting officials can’t answer or arrange anything in his absence.”