By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Department of Justice and Correctional Services minister Ronald Lamola says prisoners should be equipped to support themselves once released.
Lamola announced the inmates’ matric results at the Durban Correctional Centre in Westville, Kwa-Zulu Natal on Tuesday.
“Whether you do matric, plumbing or boiler making, we don’t want you to leave and go and cause chaos in our communities when you are released,” said Lamola.
He said there are 155,000 inmates countrywide.
“If I find your file requesting parole, I would reject if you have not equipped yourself, because it would mean you are a liability. Even if it means the psychologists say you are rehabilitated, it’s fine,” said Lamola.
He said this was also aimed at curbing widely held narratives that prisons are a breeding ground for criminality.
The pass rate for full-time studies was 93.2%. Of the 147 full-time candidates, 137 passed with national senior certificates.
There were 157 passes among 187 part-time candidates. Of the 100 bachelor passes, 41 achieved diplomas and 16 achieved higher certificates. He said there were about 129 subject distinctions.
He attributed the 93% pass rate to the dedication of educators. He said they were also encouraged by a good record of passes in key subjects that are in line with the country’s developmental goals.
The minister also responded to claims that the department paid for inmates’ post-matric studies at the expense of law-abiding citizens.
Lamola clarified that any funding beyond matric is the responsibility of the prisoners’ relatives.
“As they see us now announcing the results, I know propaganda is going to run around that the Department of Correctional Services is going to pay for your tuition fees.
“You are having it nice and large in the Correctional Services.
“We are not paying for the post-matric qualification of inmates. It’s at the expense of their parents, relatives or bursaries,” said Lamola.