South Africa’s prisons are crowded and struggling with old buildings and tight budgets. The government is working hard to fix these problems by improving laws, helping poor detainees get bail, repairing facilities, and stopping private prison contracts. They also focus on programs that teach skills and prepare inmates for a better life after release. These changes aim to make prisons safer, fairer, and more hopeful for the future.
Pollsmoor Prison is bursting at the seams, holding more prisoners than it was built for, which fuels violence and illegal activities inside. Guards found hidden phones, drugs, and even a secret TV during a surprise night raid, showing how prisoners ingeniously find ways to break the rules. Corruption among some staff makes keeping order even harder, while gangs use technology to stay connected and control life inside. Despite efforts to clean up the chaos, overcrowding and broken systems make reform a tough fight. Pollsmoor’s story reflects a deeper struggle to balance security with hope for a better future.
South Africa’s prison system is struggling with a significant issue of overcrowding that has come to the fore following the reincarceration of former President Jacob Zuma. In July 2021, Zuma was sentenced to a 15month prison term by the Constitutional Court but was granted medical parole just two months later, which was later declared unlawful by the Supreme Court of Appeal. This decision has brought to light the problem of prison overcrowding in South Africa, prompting the government to take action.
