PSA raises alarm over living and working conditions at Barberton Correctional Services
The Public Servants Association (PSA) has called for urgent intervention at Barberton Correctional Services after reporting that more than 50 employees who live in single quarters have had no access to hot water for more than two years. The union also says the Barberton Management Area offices lack essential resources — including vehicles, furniture and information technology equipment — undermining daily operations and service delivery.
The PSA said it engaged the Department of Correctional Services (DCS) in August 2026 and was given an undertaking that hot-water supply would be restored by the end of that month. On 16 September 2026 the union was informed that the originally appointed service provider could not procure the necessary materials and that a new service provider had been appointed, but the problem remains unresolved.
“It is unacceptable and irresponsible for the DCS to subject employees who are expected to deliver critical public services to such prolonged neglect,” the PSA said.
The union reported that assets belonging to the Barberton Management Area — including items needed for administration — were attached and removed by the Sheriff of the Court for sale at public auction in execution of an outstanding award against the DCS. As a result, some offices reportedly have no official vehicles, others lack desks and chairs, and administrative staff are sharing computers to perform basic functions.
- Housing: More than 50 employees in single quarters reportedly without hot water for over two years.
- Office resources: Loss of vehicles, furniture and IT equipment, allegedly due to attachment for auction.
- Service delivery: Shared computers and makeshift workstations are said to be hampering productivity and basic administration.
- Workplace climate: The PSA alleges employees were threatened with disciplinary action if they disclosed conditions to the media.
The PSA characterised the conditions as both inhumane for staff housed on site and detrimental to the secure management of the correctional facility. The union warned that prolonged neglect of staff living conditions and the depletion of office assets risk compromising the department's ability to carry out its statutory duties.
| Issue | Reported impact |
|---|---|
| Hot-water supply | Over two years without hot water for single quarters (50+ employees) |
| Removal of assets | Loss of vehicles, furniture and IT equipment; offices operating with makeshift furniture |
| Staff conduct concerns | Allegations of threats of disciplinary action against employees who speak to media |
Local residents and stakeholders are likely to be affected indirectly: reduced administrative capacity can slow staff appointments, payroll-related matters and coordination with other agencies that serve the community. Correctional facilities also rely on stable staffing and functioning administration to manage offender programmes, security logistics and visits — all services that can be strained when internal resources are depleted.
The PSA urged the DCS to take immediate steps to resolve the outstanding hot-water issue and to restore the Barberton Management Area's operational capacity. The union described the ongoing situation as a failure to protect the welfare of personnel tasked with delivering critical public services.
At the time of reporting, the PSA's statement did not include a response from provincial or national DCS officials. The union's account notes the timeline of its engagements with the department but says the promised repairs and procurement have not been completed.
Given the allegations of asset attachment and threats against staff, the situation raises questions for provincial oversight: whether there are outstanding financial judgements against the DCS office in Barberton, how quickly replacement or temporary equipment can be supplied, and what measures will be taken to ensure staff safety and the uninterrupted functioning of the facility.
Barberton residents, civil-society organisations and local councillors may wish to press for a clear timeline from the DCS and the Mpumalanga provincial government on remedial action, and for assurance that services to the community will not be jeopardised while repairs and re-equipping are carried out.
