Inmates celebrate historic 94.4% pass rate in matric exams
The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) has recorded a historic pass rate of 94.4% in the 2025 National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations, with inmates across the country producing strong academic results despite the challenges of incarceration.
Correctional Services Minister Dr Pieter Groenewald announced the results on Monday at Goodwood Correctional Centre in the Western Cape. He described the achievement as one of the department’s proudest moments.
A total of 180 inmates from 18 DCS schools nationwide sat for the 2025 matric examinations, alongside thousands of learners across South Africa. Fifteen DCS schools achieved a 100% pass rate, while inmates collectively earned 132 distinctions.
“This is a celebration of resilience, discipline and educational excellence,” Groenewald said. “These results affirm that rehabilitation through education is yielding positive outcomes and giving offenders a meaningful opportunity to rebuild their lives.”
The minister stressed that education is an important part of DCS’s rehabilitation mandate, noting that academic achievement plays a key role in breaking cycles of crime and contributing to safer communities.
However, Groenewald raised concerns about a growing preference among learners for Mathematical Literacy over Mathematics, warning that this trend could limit future educational and career opportunities.
Usethubeni Youth School at Westville Correctional Centre in KwaZulu-Natal produced the highest number of distinctions, with 58, followed by Baviaanspoort Youth School in Gauteng with 56 distinctions. The KwaZulu-Natal region also registered the highest number of learners and the most Bachelor passes.
Top-performing learner Nkosinathi Jabulani Gumede from Usethubeni Youth School achieved an overall average of 85.5%, while Jooste Tyrique from Baviaanspoort Youth School, who is currently on parole, placed second with 84.4%.
Groenewald praised DCS educators, officials and management for their commitment to offender rehabilitation, and encouraged inmates to draw inspiration from former offender Lubabalo Fongoqa.
Fongoqa, who entered prison with only a Grade 9 qualification and served 18 years in correctional facilities, now holds an LLB degree from the University of South Africa. He is the director of Songo Legal Consultants, a motivational speaker and deputy chairperson of the Black Lawyers Association Student Chapter in the Western Cape.
“Do not allow incarceration to limit you or let these opportunities slip through your fingers,” Groenewald told inmates. “One day, we hope you will go out into society and make us proud.”
Fongoqa echoed the minister’s message, saying prison walls do not define or limit dreams, and credited perseverance and access to education for transforming his life.
IOL