SA prisoners unhappy over less chicken, beef in meals

South African prisoners have voiced their dissatisfaction after the Department of Correctional Services announced that beef and chicken would be reduced from their meal plan in favour of cheaper alternatives.

Some have even claimed that they have been left “starving” by smaller portions of food.

The department is headed by Minister Pieter Groenewald, who has facilitated a crackdown on unlawful practices behind bars.

PRISONERS UNHAPPY WITH LESS BEEF, CHICKEN MEAL PLAN

This week, the Department of Correctional Services, they have introduced a new meal plan to prisoners. 

This includes less red meat, chicken, and fish and more “cheaper alternatives” like soya products.

According to reports, the department spends around R500 a day for each prisoner’s expenses.

Department spokesperson Singabhako Nxumalo told eNCA:  “It is more than just a matter of costs involved, but it’s about flexibility so at least there is a variety than having to consume the same items”.

Nxumalo emphasised that the new meal plan had “nutritional value.”

According to the 12-day meal plan, the following reductions will be made:

• 4 Beef servings to 1 beef serving
• 3 Chicken servings to 1 chicken serving
• 2 Fish servings to 1 fish serving
• No tea and coffee

Prisoners will be introduced to “cheaper alternatives” like beans, eggs, soya, and chicken giblets.

According to the report, prisoners have voiced their dissatisfaction with the new meal plan.

SOUTH AFRICANS WEIGH IN

On the X app, South Africans had strong opinions about the prisoners’ new meal plans…

@TieOnto: “Good! Instead of sitting on social media all day, they should work for their food and manufacture furniture for public schools, government offices, etc.”

@SALEM_WORD: “School children don’t even have the privilege those criminals have. They are not on vacation there.”

@zito142: “It’s cost around R500 a day to feed prisoners; government must start cutting expenses 🤞🏽…..The Oom is on the right track 👋🏽”

@visse_ss: “Prison is not a buffet. Why should taxpayers fund luxury meals for criminals while law-abiding citizens struggle to afford basic food?  If anything, inmates should be working for their meals, not complaining about portion sizes!”

DO YOU THINK PRISONERS HAVE A RIGHT TO COMPLAIN ABOUT THEIR NEW PLANS?

Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1.

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