Members of Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Correctional Services have raised serious concerns following a sharp surge in the cost of bread supplied to correctional facilities. The price per loaf has jumped from R13.36 in the 2024/25 financial year to R22.95 for 2025/26—now exceeding the typical price paid by South African consumers in retail outlets .

During a briefing by the Department of Correctional Services (DCS), officials explained the significant increase stemmed from reliance on external suppliers to make up for shortfalls in their own bakeries. While the DCS’s 11 internal bakeries produced approximately five million loaves during 2024/25, there was still a deficit of about 270,870 loaves that had to be sourced externally. Producing in-house costs the department roughly R7.91 per loaf, compared to R13.36 when purchased from suppliers.

Committee chairperson Kgomotso Anthea Ramolobeng expressed displeasure, stating it was unacceptable that taxpayer-funded bread within prisons was more expensive than the retail equivalent. She welcomed the Minister’s commitment to revising contractor appointment procedures, adding that “the price is excessive”.

Despite the concerns over pricing, the committee acknowledged the DCS’s efforts to become self-sufficient. The bakery expansion is projected to save approximately R27.4 million in 2024/25. Eleven bakeries currently operate under the programme, and a twelfth in Durban has begun test baking; plans are underway to establish further facilities in Nigel, Krugersdorp, Brandvlei, Upington and Overberg, all targeting completion between late 2025 and 2027.

Committee members also scrutinised the DCS’s reliance on consultants—R119.3 million was spent in the 2024/25 financial year. The department assured that skill transfer agreements were included in these contracts to reduce future dependence. Ramolobeng and fellow MPs emphasised the importance of building internal capacity and tightening procurement processes to prevent waste and improve long‑term sustainability.

As Parliament closely monitors the DCS’s reforms, the committee urged swift rollout of bakeries in remaining facilities and a reduction in bread procurement costs, alongside enhanced oversight of consultant use and contract awards.