Publish Date : 26-Mar-2019
Insourcing of food services for inmates at correctional centres has opened doors for local businesses to supply perishable and non-perishables food items to the Department of Correctional Services (DCS). This opportunity comes against the backdrop of 26 more correctional centre kitchens, in seven management areas, rendering nutrition through internal means.
The 26 kitchens accommodate an inmate population of 46 434, and is located at the following correctional centres; Johannesburg, Kgosi Mampuru II, Krugersdorp, Modderbee, Durban and Pollsmoor. It is the Departments quest for procurement opportunities to be made more accessible to small businesses within the localities of the identified centres in a transparent manner. Hence, DCS will kick-start this process with information sessions where potential suppliers will be briefed on the required supplies and the government supply chain processes involved.
A concerted effort is being made to boost small businesses who generally battle to attract customers and maintain profitability, which often hinges on access to markets. DCS is thus of the view that by stimulating the inclusion of local enterprises, where correctional centres are located, this will translate into ripple effects which will also see job creation through the development of small, medium and micro-enterprises as well as the advancement of designated groups such as youth and women.
This is a process which will assist Enterprises, Cooperatives, Wholesalers, Fresh Farm Producers, Bakeries, Abattoirs and Butcheries to take advantage of opportunities in Correctional Services and make a meaningful contribution to the local economy.
Our call for Expressions of Interest clearly articulates the type of products required, which involves perishable provisions and groceries, pest control services and disposal of waste. The objective is to gather supplier information in the geographical location where the seven (7) Management Areas are located, in order to advance designated groups and ensure that goods and services are procured using a system that is fair, equitable, transparent, competitive and cost-effective.
It remains critical for South Africa to support more small firms, cooperatives and youth enterprises if the country is to forge a more equitable economy and create more jobs, particularly as over 60 percent of the workforce is employed by small businesses. This is well in line with the National Development Plan, which calls for several interventions that can result in faster and more inclusive economic growth destined to reduce high levels of unemployment, reduced inequality and the deracialisation of the economy.
Correctional Services will be releasing a schedule for Information Sessions for each management area, and is looking forward to a diversified group of potential suppliers entering the Corrections sector.
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