Education behind bars: Correctional services honour academic excellence among inmates
Minister of Correctional Services Dr Pieter Groenewald lauded the achievements as a "deeply affirming" moment for both the department and the nation.
Image: Social Media
The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) has achieved a remarkable milestone, celebrating an impressive 94.4% pass rate in the 2025 National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations among offender learners, significantly surpassing the national average of 88%. The results were unveiled on Friday during a poignant awards ceremony held at the Goodwood Correctional Facility, where Minister of Correctional Services Dr Pieter Groenewald lauded the achievements as a "deeply affirming" moment for both the department and the nation.
“We gather not merely to announce results, but to celebrate resilience, discipline, and educational excellence,” Groenewald expressed, emphasising the transformative power of education within correctional facilities. “Learning does not stop at prison walls, and hope, when nurtured through education, can flourish even in the most constrained environments.”
Education Behind Bars
The impressive statistics stemmed from the participation of 180 offender learners from 18 correctional schools across South Africa. Of these, 15 schools achieved a remarkable 100% pass rate, a notable increase from 13 schools in 2024. Collectively, the learners achieved 132 distinctions.
Groenewald highlighted the critical importance of acknowledging inmates as part of the broader South African education system, stating, “They are not outside the system. They are within it. They matter. Their success matters.” He also took the opportunity to assert the integrity of the examination process, reassuring the public that DCS’s NSC examinations have remained free from irregularities over the years. “Our results are not a favour. They are earned, and they are credible,” he added.
KZN Leads the Pack
KwaZulu-Natal emerged as the top-performing province, boasting the highest number of matriculants with 50 learners, 45 of whom achieved Bachelor passes. Usethubeni Youth School in Durban-Westville distinguished itself with 31 learners, all securing Bachelor passes, thus retaining a perfect pass rate for the tenth consecutive year.
In addition to Usethubeni, the Baviaanspoort school in Gauteng has maintained a 100% pass rate for an impressive decade. The Johannesburg Female Correctional Centre School also recorded a flawless performance in 2025.
Jabulani Gumede, who was named the overall top learner after securing six distinctions
Image: Social Media
Top Achievers Defy the Odds
The ceremony celebrated remarkable individual achievements, notably highlighting Nkosinathi Jabulani Gumede, who was named the overall top learner after securing six distinctions out of eight subjects, averaging 85.5%. Despite serving a four-year sentence for rape, Gumede, a student at Usethubeni, plans to pursue a career in Criminal Law.
Jooste Tyrique, a parolee from Emthonjeni Youth School in Baviaanspoort, who also secured six distinctions with an average of 84.4%.
Image: Jooste Tyrique
Second place was claimed by Jooste Tyrique, a parolee from Emthonjeni Youth School in Baviaanspoort, who also secured six distinctions with an average of 84.4%. Tyrique, serving five years for robbery since 2022, completed his matric while incarcerated and later released on parole, even shining as Head Boy at the school.
Nasen Christiano from Brandvlei Youth School in the Western Cape, who achieved four distinctions with an average of 83%
Image: Social Media
Third place was awarded to Nasen Christiano from Brandvlei Youth School in the Western Cape, who achieved four distinctions with an average of 83% and intends to further his studies in Accounting through UNISA.
Gateway Subjects and Systemic Challenges
While the results are commendable, Groenewald expressed concern over a troubling trend: an increasing number of offenders opting for Mathematical Literacy rather than Mathematics itself, a decision that could hinder their career prospects post-incarceration. “Mathematics remains a critical gateway subject. We are confident that our learners can succeed when properly supported,” he stated.
Additionally, Groenewald pointed out the ongoing underrepresentation of boys in matric cohorts nationally, noting that in the 2025 NSC examinations, girls outnumbered boys 56% to 44%—a particularly concerning statistic given the largely masculine nature of the offender population.
Education as Rehabilitation
National Commissioner Makgothi Thobakgale echoed Groenewald's sentiments during the award presentations. Both acknowledged education's pivotal role in rehabilitation, reintegration, and nation-building. “Education in correctional centres is not only about academic performance,” Groenewald affirmed. “It is about restoring dignity, self-discipline, and hope.”
The Department reaffirmed its commitment to inclusive education, indicating a proactive role in discussions regarding the review of White Paper 6 on Inclusive Education, as many learners exiting the traditional schooling system re-enter it through correctional facilities.
As the Class of 2025 steps into a new chapter, Groenewald encouraged the graduates
Image: Social Media
As the Class of 2025 steps into a new chapter, Groenewald encouraged the graduates with an empowering message: “Your past does not define your future.” In this celebration of resilience, the DCS has once again illustrated that education can indeed break the barriers of confinement, offering light even in the darkest situations.
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Saturday Star