With the 2023 matric examinations expected to start next week, 198 inmates will sit for the National Senior Certificate (NSC) final examinations at different Correctional Services Centres across the country.
The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) said the inmates are ready to tackle the English Paper 1.
According to DCS the class of 2023 is well prepared, and it is confident of an improved performance.
In a statement, the department emphasized the importance of these exams.
“The NSC examinations are an important yardstick for the department as we seek to inspire positive change within the correctional system, empower inmates with the tools for personal growth and rehabilitation, and to ultimately reduce crime rate in the country,” read the statement.
National Commissioner Makgothi Thobakgale has echoed the department’s belief that education is a powerful tool for breaking the cycle of reoffending and helping individuals build a better future.
Two hundred and four inmates were registered for this year’s exams, six of them were released on the special remission of sentences.
The department is hopeful that this year’s cohort will perform exceedingly well.
Last year the department surpassed the national passing mark and obtained 87.5%, 11 centres attained a 100% pass rate and four inmates achieved six distinctions.