Exam season for Correctional Services
A total of 198 inmates will be sitting for the 2023 National Senior Certificate (NSC) final examinations within correctional facilities. They commenced with Computer Applications Technology on 24 October 2023 and shall go full steam on 30 October 2023 tackling English Paper 1. Initially, the Department of Correctional Services (DCS) had 204 registered inmates for the NSC examinations but six (6) benefited from the special remission of sentences, thus taking them out of Correctional Centre schools.
The NSC examinations are an important yardstick for Correctional Services as we seek to inspire positive change within the correctional system, empower inmates with the tools for personal growth and rehabilitation, and to ultimately reduce the crime rate in the country.
A belief echoed by National Commissioner of Correctional Services, Makgothi Thobakgale, is that of education being a powerful tool for breaking the cycle of recidivism and helping individuals build a better future. The previous class of Grade 12 demonstrated that nothing is impossible as it performed exceedingly well.
The class of 2022 surpassed the national pass mark, obtaining 87,5% with eleven schools attaining an impressive 100% pass rate. As if that was not enough, four inmates went on to achieve six (6) distinctions, wherein, the best performing offender scored an average of 87,9%. With a better level of preparedness in the 2023 academic year, DCS is confident of an improved performance for the current year.
The same push is to be experienced with another cohort of inmates involved in examinations, being Adult Education and Training (AET), and Tertiary Education and Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET), in various facilities across the country. A total of 1 180 inmates will be sitting for AET Level 4 examinations, whilst 1 471 will be writing TVET papers. It is officially an exam season in correctional facilities and those out of the formal education system are likely to feel desolate.
“Education fosters a sense of self-worth and purpose among inmates. As a result, this can boost their self-esteem and reduce the likelihood of returning to criminal activities,” said Commissioner Thobakgale. He further stated that, “through strategic partnerships and hard work by educators and correctional officials, DCS is more optimistic of a promising future.”
Commissioner Thobakgale wishes the Class of 2023 all the best and DCS guarantees yet another credible examination process across all examination centres.
Media enquiries:
Singabakho Nxumalo
Cell: 079 523 5794
E-mail:Singabakho.Nxumalo@dcs.gov.za
Logan Maistry
Cell: 083 644 4050
E-mail: Logan.Maistry1@dcs.gov.za
