{"id":297324,"date":"2026-02-11T15:49:14","date_gmt":"2026-02-11T13:49:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/paarlpost\/?p=297324"},"modified":"2026-02-11T15:52:34","modified_gmt":"2026-02-11T13:52:34","slug":"ramaphosa-unveils-academy-at-drakenstein-prison-in-honour-of-nelson-mandela","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/paarlpost\/ramaphosa-unveils-academy-at-drakenstein-prison-in-honour-of-nelson-mandela\/","title":{"rendered":"Ramaphosa unveils academy at Drakenstein prison in honour of Nelson Mandela"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

PAARL<\/strong> \u2013 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ<\/strong>: Nelson Mandela Rules Training Academy launched at Drakenstein Prison<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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. \n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Yesterday\u2019s
Today\u2019s launch marked exactly 36 years since the release of Mandela from the facility outside Paarl.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Speaking at the launch yesterday Ramaphosa said the academy stands as a powerful affirmation of the values Madiba stood for and lived by.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“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.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Having spent 27 years in prison, Madiba stood for the fair and humane treatment of all throughout his life.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“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.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“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.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Ramaphosa
Ramaphosa addresses various dignitaries and guests.
<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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. \n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

His release transformed the political landscape and embodied the values of dignity and reconciliation.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

PAARL \u2013 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 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