Inside South Africa's Prison Restaurant Where Inmates Serve Lunch
What Happened
Poolsmoor Maximum Security Prison in Cape Town operates a public restaurant called “Idlanathi” - Zulu for “come eat with us” - that’s staffed entirely by inmates approaching the end of their sentences. The prison cantina serves breakfast and lunch to visitors, offering surprisingly good food at remarkably low prices, with large steaks available for less than 100 South African Rand (approximately $5 USD).
The restaurant operates as a training program designed to give inmates practical work skills before their release. Prisoners work as waiters, cooks, and kitchen staff under supervision, gaining experience in food service that they can use to find employment once they return to civilian life. Guards remain present throughout service hours to ensure safety, though visitors report feeling secure during their meals.