Plumbing, boiler making, matric — learn it, jail inmates told
There are plans to make education compulsory in all prisons in a bid to prevent released prisoners from reoffending.
Speaking at an official matric results event at Westville Prison near Durban on Tuesday, justice & correctional services minister Ronald Lamola said prisoners should be equipped to support themselves after release.
“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.
There are 155,000 inmates in jails countrywide, he said.
“If I find your file requesting parole, I would reject it 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.
The move is also aimed at curbing the widely held narrative that prisons are a breeding ground for criminality, he said.
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. Lamola said there were about 129 subject distinctions.
He attributed the 93% pass rate to the dedication of educators. 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 said.
The department has opened a school for female inmates in Johannesburg that was registered through the department of basic education. The school achieved a 62.5% overall pass rate, with more than 60% receiving bachelors passes.
The department plans to expand these schools across the country.
Lamola said it has been found that most female offenders came into the system with matric.
“Most of the crimes females commit are economic crimes, unlike their male counterparts. This is a life we need to change,” he said.
“A special mention for these candidates because most of them are above 35 years and are dedicated to get certificates,” said Lamola.
KwaZulu-Natal dominated the overall matric pass rate for prisoners.
He dispelled rumours that the department had funded tertiary studies for inmates, saying it was funded either through their families or bursaries.
The minister was joined by provincial education MEC Mbali Frazer, provincial police commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi and eThekwini municipality speaker Thabani Nyawose.
He appealed to the private sector to open doors for inmates so that they do not reoffend.
IF ... REQUESTING PAROLE, I WOULD REJECT IT IF YOU HAVE NOT EQUIPPED YOURSELF, BECAUSE IT WOULD MEAN YOU ARE A LIABILITY
Ronald Lamola Correctional services minister