This monitoring system does not only provide enough security, it also monitors the
behaviour of employees and other security personnel – whether they are doing their routine
checks or if they assault inmates. The only limitation is that the assaults and other
malpractices take place in the rooms where the cameras are not installed.
The Centre is managed by a staff composed of 98 security officers (who work in three shifts
of 8 hours each), 5 nurses, 110 administrative workers and 68 cleaners. The detainees are fed
three times a day and as shown in the menu in Annex II.
xii)
Dyambu Youth Centre and the Leseding Youth Centre
The Dyambu and Leseding Youth Centres are located in Krugersdorp, some 30 kilometers
from Johannesburg. They form part of the chain of companies operated by BOSASA and as
such are located in the same vicinity as the Lindela Repatriation Centre.
The centres opened in 1995 and currently hold about 500 children between the ages of 14
and 21, all males. All the children in these centres are awaiting trial. The Dyambu Centre
holds children of 18 years and above while the Leseding Centre holds children of 14 to 17
years. On average, they spend about 12 to 18 months in these centres
The two centres have a total of 137 staff among them 25 females. These include social
workers, educational therapists, trainers, nurses, psychiatrists and psychologists. The centres
provide a series of activities including formal and vocational training. Children held in the
Centres continue their education within the Centres and upon release are integrated into the
mainstream educational system.
There is a small clinic with two nurses and one doctor with a ward of three beds. The two
centres share a control room with 48 cameras that record all the activities taking place within
the centres.
Vocational training provided includes motor mechanic, painting and carpentry. They also
engage in recreational facilities such as football, volleyball and other indoor games. Each cell
has about six double bunk beds with a shower and toilet. Each cell is also provided with a
television set which automatically goes off at 10 pm.
The children are allowed contact visits everyday: Mondays – Thursdays from 2 pm to 4 pm
and Fridays–Sundays from 1pm to 4 pm. Open day activities where families and friends
come together and spend the day with the children are also organised on a regular basis.
29
Special Rapporteur on Prisons
Mission to South Africa
14 – 30 June 2004
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