JOHANNESBURG - South Africans are rallying behind the government’s decision to shake up meal plans for prisoners.
The Department of Correctional Services announced sweeping changes to inmates’ diets, opting for alternative meal plans in correctional facilities.
The move is aimed at introducing a variety of meals for nutritional balance.
One social media user on X argued that inmates cannot be choosers and must eat what is being offered to them, as long as it has been cooked properly.
Inmates cannot be choosy and must eat what on offer as long its perfectly cooked, prisons are not hotels.
— Sidwell Nofemele (@SidwellNof9005) February 27, 2025
Another user says dietary plans don't matter, arguing that inmates cannot enjoy the privileges of an ordinary citizen who has not committed any crime.
Their diet and meal plans shouldn’t matter . They should have pap and inkomasi everyday . They shouldn’t be having options like they’re on holiday
— Penelope Makala (@Penelope_Makala) February 27, 2025
The fact that prisoners are even offered meal alternatives has one user focusing on government-subsidised institutions like homes for the disabled - upstanding citizens who do not have that option.
Inmates cannot be choosy and must eat what on offer as long its perfectly cooked, prisons are not hotels.
— Sidwell Nofemele (@SidwellNof9005) February 27, 2025
There were similar reactions on Facebook. Many pointed out the failures of school feeding schemes, which should have been a priority.
Another user suggested that inmates should be introduced to farming their own produce.
