Thursday, 17 September 2026

Correctional Services Commissioner Mahoti Tobakhale told the Madlanga Commission that prisons hold nearly 170,000 inmates against approved capacity of about 107,000, representing 63% overcrowding.

Commission evidence indicated inmates can influence correctional officials over placement and work allocations; a high-risk gang leader was allegedly found working in a prison kitchen for more than 12 months.

A mining safety summit heard that 51 workers had died this year, while contractors allegedly pressured employees to work underground despite their legal right to refuse dangerous tasks.

Jazzwise Youth speakers stressed that talent alone is insufficient: musicians need practical knowledge of royalties, licensing, funding, intellectual property and business agreements before entering studios.

SAMRO was said to hold about 16 million rand in unidentified royalties, highlighting the consequences when creators fail to register rights and ensure their music usage is properly tracked.