A total of 173 South African inmates from 18 correctional services schools will take the National Senior Certificate (NSC) exams, scheduled to run from October 21 to November 27, 2024.
According to Department of Correctional Services spokesperson, Singabakho Nxumalo, these prisoners have completed their academic syllabus and undergone assessments throughout the year.
Educators within the department’s schools are confident, having worked diligently to ensure all students are thoroughly prepared for the upcoming exams.
Historically, correctional services schools have delivered commendable academic outcomes, often outperforming national averages. In 2023, they achieved an overall pass rate of 93%, with nine schools securing a 100% pass rate.
National Commissioner Makgothi Samuel Thobakgale expressed his gratitude towards the educators for their commitment to preparing inmates for these important exams. He emphasised that formal education plays a key role in the rehabilitation process for offenders within correctional centres.
Thobakgale remarked that education not only equips offenders with valuable knowledge but also opens pathways to a better future. He restated the department’s commitment to providing growth and development opportunities to every inmate, recognising the transformative power of education.
“Education not only empowers offenders with knowledge but also offers them a path to a new life. It remains our commitment to provide growth and development opportunities for every inmate as we believe in the power of education to transform lives,” he said.
The Commissioner urged all matriculants within correctional services schools to take full advantage of this opportunity as part of their personal development and rehabilitation journey.
“We encourage all matriculants in our schools to seize this opportunity as part of their personal development journey,” he said.