Thank you Deputy Speaker, and thanks to hon Mr Smith for the question. The Department of Correctional Services is participating at the National Integrated Case Flow Management Committee, NICFMC, which is a cluster structure under the leadership of the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development.
It is a primary reality that these delays are court delays and, therefore, not in the domain of the Correctional Services Management. The Department of Correctional Services uses the relevant criminal procedure provisions that enable the following: correctional supervision as an alternative to bail where appropriate; reduction of bail applications in terms of section 63(1); applications by heads of centres for detainees to be released in lieu of bail or the amendment of bail conditions, where appropriate, in terms of section 63(a); the placement of under-18 awaiting-trial detainees, ATDs, under correctional supervision of a correctional officer in terms of section 71; and, of course, plea bargaining in terms of section 10 (105)(a).
The successful use of these provisions requires close co-operation between the criminal justice system departments. There is a continuous process of engagement between these departments at various levels. There are, of course, 11 existing correctional centres earmarked for conversion to remand detention facilities.
The Commissioner of Correctional Services has approved it that an in-depth cost analysis be carried out to determine the possibility of refurbishing these existing facilities. The analysis will be used to request funding from the National Treasury for the refurbishment project. The assistance of the National Department of Public Works has been requested to appoint a team of consultants to carry out the cost analysis. This analysis is expected to be finalised in the current financial year. I thank you.