A group of 22 inmates at the G4S correction services’ Mangaung Correctional Centre in Bloemfontein had a red carpet rolled out for them to receive their qualifications at a graduation ceremony on 9 October. The ceremony was hosted by the vice-chancellor of the University of South Africa (Unisa).
Candidates received certificates for completing a range of programmes, both academic and artisanal. Artisanal and technical skills have been identified as highly sought-after in the South African job market.
Two graduates attained distinctions. They are: Katlego Shuping Tlhabatlhaba, with a LLB degree obtained cum laude and 26 distinctions; and Tsoane Jimmy Mosolo, with a BSc degree in Computing and 13 distinctions.
Luyanda Didi obtained a BSc degree in Information Technology (IT), networks engineering.
They were enrolled at Unisa and the Richfield College.
The other graduates received qualifications in candle-making, horticulture, computer skills, the operating of office machines, garment-making, woodwork (carpentry), leather work and upholstery skill transfer programmes.
Inmates who completed basic education in Adult Basic Education and Training (Abet) levels 1 to 4 and Gr. 10 to Gr. 12 also received their certificates.
The artisan programmes offered by the correctional centre are to equip inmates with skills to enable them to make a living when they have completed their prison sentences. The training is also part of the inmates’ rehabilitation programme.
Papie Mokoena, who was the guest speaker, has encouraged the inmates to seize the opportunities offered to them that can positively change their lives and restore their dignity.
“By attaining qualifications in the programmes you had enrolled in, you have demonstrated that you are not defined by your past circumstances. You have paid the price and now you are embarking on self-correction,” said Mokoena.
“You have taken a wise decision to perfect your lives; to rise and to prove to your families, wives and children that these four walls will not define what you have become.
“All of you who are here, you have taken the challenge to live a productive and healthy life when out there in the community.”
Mathews Kokong, Unisa’s regional midland director, also encouraged inmates to use their skills and qualifications to the best of their abilities, as well as to explore opportunities to venture into entrepreneurship,” said Kokong.
“The reality is that your chance of employment are minimal because of your criminal record. However, the skills you acquired will enable you to change your situation and change the mindset of those out there to become successful entrepreneurs.
“Nothing is impossible. You can even continue to study further, to hold a professorship and even a Doctor of Philosophy degree.
“Those who completed the artisan programme have chances to be self-employed because they have the required skills to become a successful boiler-maker, which is one of the rare skills in South Africa.”
Kokong said education would further improve inmates’ changes of integration in the community.
Furniture like headboards are made by inmates equipped with upholstery and woodwork skills.
“The integration of offenders in the community, those who completed serving their sentence, starts with their immediate families. It makes them feel part of the society.
“If rejected by families, then the broader community will also reject you and, thus, integration becomes difficult for most offenders,” said Kokong.
