PAARL – President Cyril Ramaphosa this morning officially inaugurated the Nelson Mandela Rules Training Academy at the Drakenstein Correctional Centre outside Paarl, marking a significant milestone in South Africa’s efforts to humanise its correctional system.
Today’s launch marked exactly 36 years to the day since Nelson Mandela was freed from this same facility, then known as Victor Verster Prison on 11 February 1990.
The new academy, named after South Africa’s iconic former president, will train correctional staff in the Nelson Mandela Rules, a set of standards adopted by the United Nations to promote humane conditions, respect for human dignity and the fair treatment of inmates.
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In his address at the event, President Ramaphosa emphasised the importance of upholding Mandela’s legacy of justice and humanity within the criminal justice system.
He said the academy would strengthen the capacity of correctional officials to manage facilities in ways that support the rehabilitation and reintegration of offenders back into society.
Speaking at the launch yesterday Ramaphosa said the academy stands as a powerful affirmation of the values Madiba stood for and lived by.
“This facility will embody the letter and spirit of the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners, known as the Nelson Mandela Rules – as adopted by the UN General Assembly in 2015.
“Having spent 27 years in prison, Madiba stood for the fair and humane treatment of all throughout his life.
“This academy will focus on providing education, skills training and support to inmates in line with the Nelson Mandela Rules – extending the vistas of opportunity to inmates in preparation for life outside prison, and those serving long sentences, a chance to better themselves.
“I am told this is the first such facility of its kind on the African continent, so it will serve as a knowledge hub not only for South African officials, but also for the global corrections community,” he added.
On 11 February 1990, Mandela walked out of Victor Verster Prison after 27 years behind bars, a defining moment in South Africa’s journey to democracy.
His release transformed the political landscape and embodied the values of dignity and reconciliation.
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