Inmates impress with high matric pass rate
The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) has confirmed its National Senior Certificate (NSC) candidates recorded a pass rate of 76.7%, surpassing the rate recorded by school pupils.
Two hundred and thirty-three inmates sat for the matric exams, obtaining a 76.7% pass rate comprised of 48 bachelors, 55 diplomas and 39 higher certificates admissions.
The national 2017 matric pass rate has increased from 72.5% in 2016 to 75.1% in 2017.
The department’s Singabakho Nxumalo says the achievement is due to a strong work ethic, resilience and dedication.
Nxumalo says the inmates are proud that their hard work has paid off.
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“It is really one of those moments where everyone is proud and happy about it. The educators, head of centres, the inmates and even those still completing their schooling.”
Nationally, more than 600 000 candidates sat for the final exam with just over 400 000 passing, resulting in a 75.1% pass rate - including progressed learners.
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Nxumalo says the department is now assisting inmates with admission to institutions of higher learning.
“We are now assisting them in the way forward, those who want to pursue tertiary education. We have a system in place to make sure those inmates who are determine to further their education are not compromised.”