Smallberger on Tuesday said he was satisfied with preparations ahead of the National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations. A total of 211 inmates from 14 DCS schools will this year to sit for the final exams. This is a 63.5% increase from the 129 in the 2016 academic year.
“The notable increase in the number of inmates enrolling for the NSC examinations year-on-year demonstrates our rehabilitation efforts through formal education so that we can increase literacy levels of inmates, giving them a second chance in life,” said Smalberger.
He said the department has not only increased the number of matriculants but the quality of results has also been increasing over the years. This is evident in the increased enrolments in subjects like Mathematics, Accounting and Physical Science.
Working together with the Department of Basic Education (DBE), Smallberger has assured citizens that the 14 accredited centres will run a credible examination process. In addition to the resident invigilators appointed by DBE, there will be strict monitoring and impromptu visits to all centres.
The department said education and skills development are at the forefront of rehabilitation programmes. There are currently 10 526 offenders attending educational programmes in this financial year.
“It remains compulsory for inmates without a qualification equivalent to Grade 9 to complete Adult Education and Training (AET) level 1 to 4.
“This is strategically aimed at eliminating illiteracy, under qualifications as well as the absence of critical technical skills, which are a key requirement for one to either source employment or be self-employment,” said the department.
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