I have better insight as to what goes on in the prison system in South Africa after reading an article from "The Economist". The jails that are ran by the state are in terrible condition. The inmates have to endure overcrowding, poor conditions throughout the buildings, and rape. Since most of the African population is HIV positive, rape will most likely lead to the spread of more infection.
On the other hand, the private prisons have much better conditions according to this article The inmates do not have to deal with overcrowding and because the facility is fairly new, the buildings are in great condition. Inmates are able to participate in workshops, sports, and gardening. They have access to brand new equipment for sports. The newer prison also has state of the art security for the inmates. Unlike the state prisons, this new facility offers better food and inmates receive better medical care. Millions of dollars have been spent to open these private prisons, but economic growth suffers outside of these prison doors.
This concept to make inmates more comfortable and spending millions of dollars in order to do so is baffling to me. I do get the point that no one should have to deal with overcrowding while locked up, but to do things for one prison and not the other is unbelievable. I believe that no matter what everyone should have equal rights to health care and nutrition, if nothing else. Inmates in state prisons are suffering and so are the people who are not in the prison system. There are families who suffer from malnutrition/famine, HIV, malaria, and infant mortality. These individuals do not have the resources for food, clean water, or medical attention due to "hampered economic growth",(International Studies, p.259). Due to war, colonialism, and imperialism, Africa has suffered tremendously from political and economic instability.
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