Department of Correctional Services Accrued R6 Million Bill on Official Hotel Accommodation Despite State Housing Availability

In a startling revelation, it has come to light that the South African Department of Correctional Services (DCS) has incurred more than R6 million in accommodation expenses for four officials staying in hotels within the Eastern Cape region since 2020. This hefty sum has been accumulated despite the presence of state-owned housing facilities on prison premises that are readily available for use.

Among the officials whose accommodation costs have been a burden on taxpayers is Lucky Mthethwa, who assumed the role of acting commissioner of prisons in the Eastern Cape in May 2021. Mthethwa's stay at a hotel in East London has amounted to R1.4 million from the department's coffers to date.

Furthermore, Solly Netshivhazwaulu, alongside two office staffers, has also been benefitting from the department's decision to opt for hotel stays over available state housing. Netshivhazwaulu, who is the current acting head of St Albans Maximum Prison in Gqeberha, previously held an acting position in Mthatha and has now accrued substantial accommodation costs by bringing his secretaries along for both assignments.

During the first stint in Mthatha's Garden Court Hotel, the total bill for the three individuals reached a staggering R1 054 080 for 244 nights spent. Now, in Gqeberha's Garden Court since April 2021, their accommodation has reportedly climbed to an additional R4 471 200.

This R6.8 million expense does not even incorporate the subsistence costs involved, nor does it account for the travel expenses, seeing as the two support staffers utilise state vehicles and both Netshivhazwaulu and Mthethwa make claims for using their private vehicles on duty. While they currently receive acting allowances, their extended acting periods, which have now crossed the three-year mark, have come under scrutiny.

Such lengthy acting roles contravene the government's policy that acting capacities should not exceed six months as stipulated by the Public Service Regulations. Despite the regulations, the Department has justified these extended periods under the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Development's executive authority.

The expenditures have sparked outrage among senior officials and the Police, Prisons and Civil Rights Union (Popcru), resulting in whistleblowing over what they categorize as a misuse of taxpayers' money. Popcru has even requested an intervention meeting with the ANC leadership in the Eastern Cape.

Insider information suggests that the decision to disregard state houses for accommodation is ill-advised, as there are furnished single quarters for these officials. The justification provided by the DCS for choosing hotels over state housing points to the avoidance of furniture removal and resettlement fees.

Despite this position, DCS spokesperson Singabakho Nxumalo maintains that hotel accommodation is a more economically viable choice. Moreover, the officials are within their rights to claim travel reimbursements while serving in their acting capabilities.