Matric Exams: Inmates achieve over 90 per cent pass rate

The matric pass rate of inmates at correctional facilities has reached some 93.2%, with a total of 137 out of 147 full time candidates passing the 2023 National Senior Certificate (NSC) exams.

Additionally, part-time candidates achieved a pass rate of 84%, the Ministry of Justice and Correctional Services announced on Tuesday.

In a ceremony celebrating the 2023 matriculants, Minister Ronald Lamola congratulated candidates who achieved no less than 100 Bachelor passes, 41 Diploma passes and some 16 Higher Certificate passes.

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“To our learners, despite the tough conditions as a result of incarceration, your determination, unmatched commitment, and hard work have paid off and you triumphed where some of your peers outside failed. You have done us, your families and the entire country proud.

“We congratulate you for raising high the flag of Correctional Services, a welcome development we applaud. When we release you, go out there and be good ambassadors of Correctional Services. Behave yourselves and do not engage in activities which will bring you into conflict with the law again,” said Lamola.

The Correctional Services class of 2023 also achieved 129 distinctions, with nine schools obtaining a 100% pass rate, according to the department.

The Minister described some of the programmes set up for inmates, which he said are designed to help them transform their lives “and enable them not to return to their previous lives of crime.”

One of those programmes, Lamola explained, is the Self-Sufficiency Strategic Framework, which transfers skills to inmates where they produce “their own food, renovate public infrastructure such as schools, clinics and orphanage centres.”