MAKHADO (LOUIS TRICHARDT) – The Kutama Sinthumule Maximum Security Prison celebrated its second birthday on February 20.

On February 1, 2002, the Minister of Correctional Services, Mr Ben Skosana, officially opened the prison, and on February 20 the same year, the prison received the first inmates. Currently, this multi-million rand project houses 3 024 inmates and is operated by more than 500 staff members.

"Running this facility is not a normal nine to five job. Many of the staff members are expected to be on duty 24 hours a day, seven days a week," said Prison Director Mr Alfred Makgaila, at the birthday celebrations.

During the function, which was attended by about 200 people, the prestigious achievements of this young prison were highlighted.

"One can hardly imagine that a facility this young could have achieved International Standards Organisation ISO 9001:2000 accreditation with the first attempt. Making this accreditation even more remarkable is the fact that it was obtained within the first 18 months of operation and making us the first on the African continent to do so!" said Mr Makgaila.

The Kutama Sinthumule Maximum Security Prison is a joint venture of the South African Custodial Management (SACM) and Kensani Correction Management (KCM). Appreciation was expressed for the support from all the role-players, especially the support in the form of advisors from abroad.

Mr Pieter Jordaan, Director Operations of SACM in Johannesburg, said that he was very satisfied that the prison accomplished much more than the minimum requirements set by the government. He thanked the various NGOs and roleplayers who contributed to the success of the facility.

As part of their community involvement plan, the prison last week donated an amount of R50 000 to 20 schools and 20 matric scholars.