I visited a juvenile detention centre in Moorsmore Prison, Cape Town.  Here dormitory cells of between 26 and 40 are the norm - for boys between 14 & 17.  And the reason?  I was told that “Black African people dont like to be alone.” 

But then, there are smaller cells - well, cupboards really, each with bunk-beds -  3 high, held precariously together, and 1 toilet which is jammed against the beds.  No door on the cell.  Just an locked grate.  In the cells and domitories the windows are broken, there are few blankets, some none, washing is strewn across electric light wiring - just waiting for a fire to happen, and the 1 classroom that does exist has no resources and a pt lone teacher.  They eat in a long corridor. 

The khulisa worker told me that if the young boys have no other clothes, they are left to survive in the ones they bring in.  Visits are only allowed during the week, not at weekends, but since families are mostly working during the week, most of these young people do not have contact with their families.  Visits in any case take place via a grill.  The young people are not allowed physical contact with anyone who visits. And yet, none have actually been brought to trial.  They are waiting!