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It is indeed a decade of huge success for Formal Education in Correctional Services following an achievement of 76.7 percent matric pass rate in the 2017 academic year, an improvement of 4.6% from the 2016 academic year. For the third time in a row, the Department of Correctional Services (DCS) has surpassed the 70% national average pass threshold, wherein four schools recorded a 100 pass.

This is a huge milestone for DCS as it registered the highest number of matriculants (233) since the inception of formal education in 2007 - when it only had one school with 21 inmates.

Patently critical, Correctional Services has not only increased the number of matriculants, but the quality of results has been increasing over the years. The 76.7% pass rate is comprised of 48 bachelors, 55 Diplomas and 39 higher certificates. This is an enormous upsurge when compared to the 2016 academic year as it only registered 40 bachelors, 47 diplomas and 12 certificate pass respectively.

The quality of formal education in DCS is further demonstrated by the increased enrolment on subjects such as Mathematics, Accounting and Physical Science. The best performing inmate is Samkelo Mpofana from Usethubeni Youth Centre (Durban Westville Correctional Centre) who achieved five (5) distinctions in IsiZulu, English, Life Orientation, History and Tourism.

The other best performing inmates (Senzo Fundzo and Sicelo Chili) from the same school, respectively obtained three distinctions. The top achiever in Mathematics and Physical Sciences is Shiba Ndumiso Brightman from Ekuseni Correctional Centre in Newcastle, KZN. This is a new school which had matric examinations for the first time in the 2017 academic year.

The Acting National Commissioner of Correctional Services, James Smalberger attributed this achievement to the strong work ethic, resilience and dedication of both educators and inmates who worked tirelessly throughout the 2017 academic year.

“Education is not the only avenue towards recovering and protecting one’s dignity in a correctional facility, but it is a major one. Further to that, it offers a modicum of the authority required of a person for self-creation,” said James Smalberger. Assistance from the Department of Basic Education has been instrumental in cementing Formal Education as a viable rehabilitation programme in Correctional Services.

With an average inmate population of 160 280, our country needs more educational programmes as they offer a solution to a penal system that could easily breed hopelessness and high rate of recidivism. “The matric results are outstanding and such will encourage other inmates to enroll for Formal Education, which continues to be the beating heart of rehabilitation,” Smalberger concluded.

Issued by Department of Correctional Services