SA Prisoners Furious Over Reduced Chicken And Beef In Meal Plans

South African prisoners are outraged after the Department of Correctional Services announced cuts to beef, chicken, and fish servings, replacing them with cheaper alternatives like soya and beans.

Some inmates claim they are now “starving” due to smaller portions and a lack of variety in their meals.

Government Defends New Meal Plan

The Department of Correctional Services, led by Minister Pieter Groenewald, says the changes are not just about cost-cutting but also about introducing more flexibility in prisoners’ diets.

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Watch| Six Cash-In-Transit Heist Suspects Killed In Tshwane Shootout

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 rather than having to consume the same items.”

He emphasized that the new 12-day meal plan maintains nutritional value despite the reductions:

• Beef servings cut from 4 to 1 per cycle
• Chicken servings reduced from 3 to 1
• Fish servings dropped from 2 to 1
• No more tea and coffee
• Soya, beans, eggs, and chicken giblets introduced as substitutes
  The department reportedly spends R500 per prisoner per day, and the cuts are part of a broader effort to reduce government expenses.

Public Reaction: ‘Prison is Not a Buffet’

On social media, many South Africans supported the meal reductions, arguing that prison shouldn’t be a place of luxury.

@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.”

@visse_ss: “Prison is not a buffet. Why should taxpayers fund luxury meals for criminals while law-abiding citizens struggle to afford basic food?”

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Dali Mpofu’s 23-Year-Old Son Arrested For Kidnapping And Assault

The department has not indicated whether it will review the meal plan, despite backlash from prisoners.

---

For SA News Follow SurgeZirc SA on Facebook,  X and Instagram