The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) said 173 inmates will sit for the National Senior Certificate (NSC) exams. Picture: Boxer Ngwenya/Independent Newspapers
As the highly-anticipated National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations approach, the Department of Correctional Services (DCS) has announced that a total of 173 inmates from the department’s 18 schools are fully prepared to write their final exams.
The departmental spokesperson, Singabakho Nxumalo, said the inmates from correctional services schools are ready to put pen to paper for their final examinations that are expected to be written between October 21 until November 27.
Nxumalo said 173 inmates will sit for these exams, marking an important step in their pursuit of a National Senior Certificate.
She said the department is satisfied with the level of preparedness, saying that inmates have completed the academic syllabus on time and have undergone various assessments throughout the year.
“Educators from the department's 18 schools remain optimistic, having made significant efforts to ensure that all candidates are thoroughly prepared.
Nxumalo expressed that the department has ensured that all required textbooks and stationery were delivered to schools in a timely manner.
Meanwhile, Correctional Service national commissioner Samuel Thobakgale, hailed the teachers for their unwavering dedication and hard work in preparing the inmates for this important milestone.
“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.”
Thobakgale emphasised that formal education plays a crucial role in rehabilitating offenders while they are in correctional centres.
“In collaboration with the Department of Basic Education, DCS has consistently produced strong academic results, often exceeding the national pass rate.”
He said last year, the DCS schools achieved an impressive 93% overall pass rate, with nine schools achieving a 100% pass rate.
“Correctional Services attributes these results to the conducive learning environment it fosters within correctional centres, as well as its commitment to providing offenders with education and skills that will help them reintegrate into society after their release.”
Thobakgale disclosed that this year, the department started to embrace technological advancements in education.
“In 2024, the Intelsat Telematics System was introduced at Johannesburg Correctional Centre, offering both inmates and educators access to valuable study materials.”
Additionally, he praised the department for maintaining an incident-free record for NSC examinations, stating that it reflects the professionalism and dedication of the officials, as well as the strict adherence to exam protocols, which are set by the Department of Basic Education.
“We encourage all matriculants in our schools to seize this opportunity as part of their personal development journey,” Thobakgale said.
IOL