The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) and the University of South Africa (UNISA) are to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) which will formalise a long standing relationship that has seen thousands of offenders graduating from the institution. With over 140 years of existence. UNISA is Africa's leading open distance learning institution, it offers inmates an opportunity to enrol and study for various disciplines within the correctional facilities in the country.

“Tasked with a responsibility of detaining inmates in safe custody, whilst maintaining their human dignity and developing their sense of social responsibility and promoting the general development of all inmates, Correctional Services has prioritised education and skilling of offenders as part of rehabilitation in order to ensure that upon release, offenders return to their communities as better, changed and law-abiding citizens. It is this vision which led to DCS forging a partnership with UNISA in a quest to assist offenders to remain focused on their education amid their circumstances so that they can reach their full potential and achieve the best results possible” said Mr ZI Modise, National Commissioner of the Department of Correctional Services.

Since the introduction of formal education (further education and training band) in correctional facilities in 2010, over 500 offenders have successfully completed their matric exams producing a number of distinctions in different subjects. Many of them did not stop there, but proceeded to higher education. As a result, many offenders have completed undergraduate degrees, Masters Degrees and PhDs, in different disciplines, and all obtained behind bars. Many more offenders are also registered for Adult Education and Training (AET) and Further Education and Training (FET) programmes. This is targeted towards addressing the absence of technical skills, and competencies, required in the job market.

The partnership between these two institutions gave birth to a concept coined, DCS UNISA Hubs.  These hubs provide administrative support to offenders studying through UNISA at various Correctional Centres in the country.  The infrastructure is designed in a way that it offers access to laptops with Internet, UNISA library materials, tutorial services and on-line submission of assignments.  This initiative is already yielding positive results.  Piloted by the Durban Westville Correctional Centre in 2014, this venture witnessed 15 offenders (from the same centre) graduating with diplomas and degrees in 2016 at a special graduation ceremony hosted by UNISA.

“This MoU will further see UNISA providing assistance to students and assigning face-to-face or on-line tutors to the DCS UNISA Hubs in accordance with their study needs. In addition, inmates will also receive computer literacy training in order to enable them to use the on-line technology.  It is incumbent upon DCS to ensure that computer equipment, such as laptops, printers, scanners and relevant software in line with UNISA’s requirements for online services is available and functioning efficiently. As Unisa, we take pride in the fact we are able to make a positive impact towards the endeavours of our government to rehabilitate offenders and ensure that they return to their respective communities as better citizens”, concluded Professor Mandla Makhanya, Principal and Vice Chancellor of Unisa.

Members of the Media are invited to attend and witness the signing of the MoU on the following date:

Date                  :Friday, 09 June 2017
Venue               :Conference Room 5, 1st floor, Kgorong Building, Unisa Muckleneuk
                          Campus, Pretoria
Time                 :10:00 - 12:00


For RSVP please contact Mr. Tommy Huma Unisa Senior Media Relations Officer on 012 429 3981 / 072 218 6197 / humatm@unisa.ac.za and Nandipha Ramadikela Assistant Director Public Education Stakeholder Relations and Media Services Department of Correctional Services on 012 307 2925 / 082 835 2053 / Nandipha.ramadikela@dcs.gov.za