Only 18.9% of phone lines at South African prisons are working

[Luis]

Telkom denies that 80% of the phone lines South African prisons rely on are broken

There are 2,050 telephones installed for the use of inmates across all of South Africa's 243 correctional centres. However, the Department of Correctional Services (DCS) said only 388, or 18.9%, were working.

The Portfolio Committee on Correctional Services heard this report during an oversight visit to the Brandvlei Correctional Services, where it received a briefing from the department.

 

[konfab]

There are approximately 168,600 inmates incarcerated at correctional facilities across the country. 3.5% of inmates are female, while 14.9% are foreign nationals.

How many foreign-born people are living in South Africa?​

13 August 2026 by Africa Check

The 2022 census suggested there were about 2.4 million international migrants in South Africa, or 3.9% of the total population. A 2022/23 income and expenditure survey by Statistics South Africa survey put the number slightly higher, at 3.1 million (5% of the population). This includes documented and undocumented migrants.

https://africacheck.org/infofinder/...y-foreign-born-people-are-living-south-africa

So, despite being 3.9% to 5% of the population, they represent 14.9% of prisoners.

 

[ghaye]

I thought the inmates had enough cell phones not to worry too much about landlines.

 

[Devo1]

Sies Oom Pieter

 

[lkswan747]

Oom Kerl decided to stay and test the Telkom landlines!

 

[Binary_Bark]

Great work, Telkom. Can you make that 0%

 

[EmmanuelGoldstein]

Tell me, how do you quantify 18,9%
Yes ladies and gentlemen, I only got 92.3% of my fecal matter out my bum today, we'll try again after lunch

 

[Lupus]

I mean that's about the same as the general demographics???

 

[Smiggles]

Wo cares? All they need is God's phone number.

 

[Binary_Bark]

Wo cares? All they need is God's phone number.

I'm sure they talk to their imaginary friend daily.

 

[Lupus]

I'm sure they talk to their imaginary friend daily.

The all and mighty Steve Jobs hallowed be?

 

[Binary_Bark]

The all and mighty Steve Jobs hallowed be?

Steve was actually real and existed.

 

[Hemi300c]

 

[Lupus]

Steve was actually real and existed.

Sure, but right now he isn't

 

[Binary_Bark]

Sure, but right now he isn't

Okay, whatever you want. Not going to debate people's delusions.

 

[zerocool2009]

It should be 0%!

 

[CB40]

It should be 0%!

I fully agree,they are in prison for a reason.They have no rights to anything.

 

[Bad Ballie]

Got to laugh, copper lines are at the end of their useful lifespan and are a target of crime, The telephones should already have been replaced by the prison services.

 

[Nerfherder]

This is why they have all those cellphones in prison LOL

 

[warrenpridgeon]

Probably a higher percentage than at local municipalities...