The Correctional Services has released the results of prisoners who sat for the matric exams. The class of 2024 achieved a 96.2% pass rate in the National Senior Certificate (NSC) exams, outshining the country’s national pass rate of 87.3%. A total of 171 inmates took the matric exams and out of these, 104 achieved Bachelor passes.
Many South Africans are questioning the value of taxpayer-funded education for incarcerated individuals. Some experts have weighed in on the role of education in rehabilitation and the potential for a second chance for those behind bars.
National matric pass rate 2024
The matric class of 2024 has achieved an 87.3% pass rate – surpassing the 82.9% recorded in 2023. The Minister of Basic Education, Siviwe Gwarube, announced the results in Johannesburg on Monday, 13 January 2025. All provinces showed an improvement from the 2023 matric pass rates. Free State was the best-performing province, with a pass rate of 91%.
The Minister of Correctional Services, Dr Pieter Groenewald, announced the NSC matric results for inmates for the 2024 academic year at an awards ceremony at the Johannesburg Correctional Centre on 17 January 2025.
Here is the video of the 2024 matric results announcement for inmates:
Opposing opinions on inmates completing matric
Authorities hope that allowing inmates to study as part of the rehabilitation process will reduce the chances of reoffending when they are released back into society.
Minister Groenewald expressed his enthusiasm and told the matriculants that they ‘have contributed to the building of the nation. ‘You must remember there is hope. I’ve spoken to some people who came out of prison and are successful. That National Senior Certificate is your key that is going to open many doors for the future. You can put the key there and if you do nothing, the door stays closed. Instead, use that key to unlock your future for building a better nation for South Africa,’ he said.
Forensic Psychologist and Criminologist, Dr Gerard Labuschagne, shared his take on the matter which gives another perspective:
Here are a few of the comments by members of the public on X:
‘Democracy in action! Congratulations.’
‘This happens only in South Africa where criminals are given education with our tax money.’
‘Now they will enroll with HED without paying a cent … till they complete their degrees.’
‘So now we must congratulate people who committed crime?’
‘The older I get the more things don’t make sense. You commit a crime then get free education? While you outside you need to pay for education?’
What is your opinion on the matter?
Let us know by clicking on the comment tab below this article.
You can also email info@thesouthafrican.com or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1.
Also, follow @TheSAnews on X and The South African on Facebook for the latest news.
