Let me start by thanking hon members for the very important issues raised today. For some of the issues, we will make it a point that we give written responses as a follow-up.
Starting with the hon Mofokeng, the question of rehabilitation of offenders is very important. It is the core of our work. As the department, we fully accept that responsibility, and the seriousness that goes with it. We are fully aware that we have a responsibility to ensure that when people come to our centres, we give them an opportunity ukuthi baqale kabusha [... to start afresh].
One of our centres in Mpangeni in KwaZulu-Natal is even called, "Qalakabusha". For us that is the core of our responsibility. In my speech, I did mention that we have realised that we are dealing with deep-rooted, complex social problems that the new dispensation inherited. Its legacy is still with us. Therefore, I fully endorse and agree with members on the responsibilities and the pressure they are putting on us in this respect.
On the question of young offenders, I would like to remind members about the Child Justice Act which came into effect on 1 April 2010. It creates a new opportunity for children in conflict with the law to be treated differently, as seen against what was the case in the past. For instance, this Act makes the incarceration of a child in a correctional facility a last resort.
Children in conflict with the law should be diverted to child justice centres where they will undergo a rehabilitation programme. In other words, they are prevented from finally coming into conflict with hardened criminals. Of course, we are going to continue our effort within the cluster to ensure that the spirit of the Act is implemented.
Hon Bekker raised the question of implementation, which seemed to be a challenge. He also raised the question of rehabilitation. As I have already indicated, we are concurring with that. When coming to implementation, I would also like members to appreciate the dilemma that we are facing. We have inherited a system which was not meant for what we are doing today. As you all know, Correctional Services was highly militarised.
The emphasis was not on rehabilitation. We rely on our officials and our systems to carry out the new mandate. It is a battle and a struggle. We are committed and working hard. Again, I would say that it is one area where you can see that the past is still with us. On the question of rehabilitation, I fully agree that we need every support to overcome this battle, speedily and as soon as possible.
Hon Bekker, on the question of gangs, as a department we are working on a strategy. Firstly, I should admit that it is of great concern to us and that we are fully aware of the risks built into that practice, especially when looking at the high percentage of young offenders. Of course, our policy and strategy is to limit contact. They are separated in different units. We know that with modern technology it is something with regard to which we should be vigilant, and which we should guard against.
On a daily basis, on admission, offenders are warned against gang involvement where necessary. Separate gang leaders are taken out of the province or region, so that they cannot have much contact with those from the community. We don't hesitate to incarcerate gang leaders in maximum centres, even transferring them to places like Mangaung and Kokstad. We also work very closely with security agents who are much more competent and skilled in dealing with gangs. Before a gang-associated person is released, we alert the SAPS, our partner within the cluster.
There was also the question about the consultants. I think it was raised by the hon Makhubela. I must say that the leaking of a preliminary report of the Auditor-General on the management of contracts must be condemned in the strongest possible terms. The Auditor-General's report that was wrongly published was a preliminary one to which management had responded.
We are going to receive a final report within a week, which is expected to be substantially different. We did note that it was a concern, but we are going to give an informed response after receiving the final report, which will have the input of the department.
There was also a question on overcrowding. I think it was raised by the hon Gunda. Overcrowding is an international problem. Generally, there is a trend worldwide that one picks up that the prison capacity tends to exceed the approved limits. But I just wanted to ensure hon members that we are working very hard within the cluster, looking at alternative diversions.
Concerning young people, the Department of Social Development is at an advanced stage in terms of securing centres for them. Within our cluster, there is generally an understanding that as other clusters take their rightful place, we as correctional services, because we are at the receiving end, would be likely to have benefits that are going to ease overcrowding.
On the question of awaiting-trial detainees, who tend to add to our existing problem, as I have indicated, our department was mandated to work on the remand detention centres. We are at an advanced stage. Very soon there will be a White Paper which is going to deal with quite a number of issues. We are hoping that that will help in addressing the question of overcrowding as well, since awaiting-trial detainees will be dealt with, speedily and efficiently.
According to the hon Gunda, there was a 70% chance of almost saying that those people were likely to come out having not been rehabilitated. I am not sure about that percentage. I don't know where the hon member got it from. It doesn't sound in line with our statistics. I think on this one, again, it would be good for us to look carefully at the rate of recidivism and give feedback to hon members, so that they can monitor how well we are doing.
On the question of vacancies, the department has lifted the moratorium on the filling of strategic positions and scarce skills categories. In due course we are going to advertise to fill 414 positions across the board from June this year. We are planning to reduce personnel expenditure from 69% to 63%. That would essentially reduce the vacancies substantially. We are going to keep the House informed of the progress made on this issue.
On qualified audit reports, I must say that the appointment of the highly qualified chief financial officer will help us in coming up with a realistic budget model and expenditure patterns and in being able to adhere to general accounting procedures. Of course, the value of the appointment of the national commissioner cannot be underestimated as he is likely going to provide leadership.
At this point I would like to thank my colleague, the Deputy Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, the Chairperson and all members who participated in the debate. As the department, we found the debate extremely helpful. I thank you. [Applause.]
Debate concluded.