Prisoners score 100% pass rate

By Masilo Malakwane

DENEYSVILLE –Inmates in Free State and Northern Cape prisons who sat  for the 2021 matric exams have attained a 100% pass rate.

This was announced by the regional correctional services commissioner, Subashini Moodley.

Delivering the outcomes of the regional inmate matric class of 2021 exams results at a congratulatory function and award ceremony at Groenpunt Prison on Tuesday this week, Moodley said the Free state and Northern Cape region has made history in the education sector. The event was held under the theme ‘educate to reintegrate’  

“A total of seven learners from Groenpunt school sat for final matric exam and all of them passed, having obtained three bachelor’s and four diplomas,” she said.

Moodley also commended the outstanding performance of the correctional services and education department for displaying self awareness and empathy through challenges of high level of Covid-19 infections in the past two years.,

“Educational attainment in DCS has been significantly improving for the past five years. It’s much sweeter to stand and applaud them for giving their all. I felt so humbled,” Moodley said.

On behalf of the provincial department of education, the chief education specialist of Fezile Dabi district, Dr. TK Motumi said the matric class of 2021 “have embodied the epitome of emotional intelligence. We congratulate them and wish them well going forward. Life does not end here.”  

Bongani Mhlaetwa of Kimberley, Northern Cape, was the most outstanding learner and he scooped the highest performance accolades at the function that was also used to inspire other offenders within correctional facilities to enrol for schooling and other skills.

He expressed his gratitude to the department and his teachers for playing a pivotal role in shaping him to become a better man.

“I would like to thank the DCS for affording us an opportunity for a second chance. We promise not to disappoint and work even harder as they prepare us for life after prison,” said an elated Mhlaetwa.