05/03/2026
What a joyful and meaningful day at Nelspruit Correctional Centre as the Minister for Public Service and Administration, Inkosi Mzamo Buthelezi, officially handed over the Smart Agriculture Box Project to the Minister of Department of Correctional Services, Pieter Groenewald.
This award-winning innovation, recognised at the Public Sector Innovation Awards in 2023 under the Citizen-Focused Innovation category, was developed by the Mpumalanga Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Land and Environmental Affairs and replicated through the Centre for Public Service Innovation.
The Smart Agriculture Box is a practical, climate-responsive farming solution designed to maximise limited land and water. Within Correctional Services, it supports self-sufficiency and sustainability, improves food production, reduces costs, and contributes meaningfully to rehabilitation.
A great example of how innovation in the public sector can deliver real impact. 🌱