State of the art ART DCS-UNISA-Hubs are being rolled out for offenders to study online
Offenders studying through the University of South Africa (UNISA) have more than doubled in Durban Westville Correctional Centre, following the introduction of the state of the art DCS-Unisa Hubs that enable offenders to study online and perform better. Female offenders increased from 12 to 33 and male offenders increased from 28 to 60 following growing performance outputs of those utilizing three DCS-UNISA hubs established at the centre.
Details of these successes were revealed during a Unisa Graduation ceremony held at Durban Westville Correctional Centre in KwaZulu Natal on Friday, 14 October 2016, that was officiated by the Deputy Registrar of UNISA Professor Michael Temane. UNISA hosted a special graduation ceremony to award diplomas and degrees to 15 offenders at the centre, which has pioneered the new technology in 2014. The introduction of the technologically advanced hubs, is part of implementing a Memorandum of Understanding signed by UNISA and the Department of Correctional Services. The hubs have helped in improving offender access to online tertiary education provided by UNISA. They provide offenders with access to laptops and Internet connectivity, UNISA library materials, tutorial services including communication with lecturers, and on-line submission of assignments.
Delivering a keynote address at the graduation ceremony, Professor Temane, said Universities and governments should not lose sight of higher education needs of those behind bars. “We have a duty to help students, including offenders realise that they have potential and it allows them the opportunity to grow and realign the path their life is taking in the world", said Professor Temane. Professor Temane described student protests currently facing institutions of higher learning as a challenge that required all sectors of the South African society to work together to provide permanent solutions that save the future of the country.
Also addressing the graduation ceremony, Acting Deputy Regional Commissioner of KwaZulu Natal, Mr. Lucky Mthethwa, said "education is a pillar of offender rehabilitation that assists in empowering them to resist temptations to return to a life of crime." Mr. Mthethwa said the innovative information and communication technology Hubs, enhanced offender access to quality online education in a cost-effective manner.
One of the graduates, Erwin Christmas, who is serving a life sentence, received his BCom Honours and is studying towards a Masters Degree in Business Administration. With a possibility of parole placement in 2017, offender Christmas described his graduation as a watershed moment in his life journey, which could open many doors after his placement on parole. Offender Christmas' son, who is serving a seven-year sentence for robbery in Durban Westville Youth Centre, attended the graduation ceremony and expressed excitement at being part of the occasion that motivated him to participate in various rehabilitation programmes of the Department of Correctional Services.
Another inmate, Zodwa Zulu, praised the contribution of the hub to her improved performance, from a 52% average pass rate for her modules in 2014, to 71% in 2015 and 87% in 2016. Through the hubs that include secured trolleys with a total of 32 laptops, offenders are able to get internet access, communicate with lecturers, access study material and submit their assignments. The Hub coordinators strictly monitor each site and track or control what offenders can access online, to ensure that security is not compromised.
Professor Temane said Unisa is committed to assist more offenders to further their education, including those keen to improve their Senior Certificates grades. The rollout of the hubs will be accelerated, with seven more planned to be established in five correctional centres during this financial year. Johannesburg Correctional Centre will receive two hubs, Kgosi Mampuru II will receive two hubs, while Barberton Maximum, Breederivier and Lopersforntein Correctional Centres will receive one each.
This academic year there are 539 offenders studying through various higher education learning institutions in South Africa, 138 doing higher certificate programmes, 129 doing diplomas, 226 doing degree programmes and 46 doing their post graduate studies. Of the 539 offenders doing their tertiary education, 429 registered with UNISA. Offenders only receive free education up to grade 12, and are responsible for generating their own resources to pay for their tertiary education. The Department is only responsible for setting up enabling infrastructure that includes the hubs.
Enquiries:
Manelisi Wolela
Cell: 0760622180
E-mail: Manelisi.wolela@dcs.gov.za
