By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Minister of Correctional Services, Pieter Groenewald, announced the impressive results, with the class of 2024 achieving a remarkable 96.2% matric pass rate, surpassing the national average of just over 87%.
In 2023, Correctional Services recorded a pass rate of 93.2%.
Addressing the matriculants, Groenewald encouraged the inmates to build on their accomplishments.
Despite their setbacks, he emphasised that the inmates now have an opportunity to make a positive impact on the communities they once offended.
“You’ve taken up the pen to write the exams. You were successful. You still have to take up the pen to make a success of your life; that is most important, “Groenewald said.
The Minister also highlighted the need to address South Africa’s high unemployment rates to prevent reformed inmates from reverting to criminal behaviour.
A total of 171 inmates, including those convicted of serious crimes like rape and murder, sat for the National Senior Certificate exams.
As of the third quarter of 2024, South Africa’s youth unemployment rate stood at 45.5%.
To help inmates secure employment after release, Groenewald said the department is empowering them with skills such as hairdressing and carpentry.
“If inmates are properly educated, they have a better chance of getting a job. We must ensure proper economic growth, so we can create more jobs, “he added.
Thirteen of the country’s 17 Correctional Service schools have achieved a 100% pass rate for the National Senior Certificate matric class of 2024.
These include Usethubeni Youth in KZN, Cradock in the Eastern Cape, Thuto Kitso in North West, Brandvlei Youth Centre in the Western Cape, Qalakabusha in KZN, Baviaanspoort Youth Centre in Gauteng, and Ekuseni in KZN.