The Barberton Maximum Security Prison, known locally as the “Prison Farm” invited media houses to an overview of its matric programme on Tuesday.
According to Jeffrey Malomane, acting head of Correctional Services operations support, the facility currently houses 1 247 offenders, of which 17 will be sitting for this year’s matric examinations.
Based on previous pass rates and the challenges presented by the global coronavirus pandemic, Malomane asserted that he remained hopeful that they would achieve a 100 per cent pass rate.
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“As a result of Covid-19, we have had to take a number of measures to ensure that the course content was covered in our quest to emulate a similar feat to previous years.
“We studied past question papers, held afternoon and Saturday classes and used the Internet extensively because we aim to achieve a 100 per cent pass rate every year,” he said.
With the challenges presented by the pandemic, there were no camps this year, in keeping with Covid-19 social distancing protocols.
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A number of the inmates were at the briefing and shared their journey with Lowvelder. Sifiso Vilakazi (31), is serving a life sentence at the facility and expressed his regret that he did not pursue his education as a free man.
“The realisation that education is an important weapon has dawned on me. If I had followed my education, and not dropped out of school, no doubt my life would have turned out differently,” he said.
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For Vilakazi, this is only the start of his educational journey. “I am interested in pursuing other fields of study after this and hope to re-enter society as a skilled, educated person who can make a positive contribution to my community,” he concluded.
Siboniso Mahlalela (34), is six years into a life term and enthused that the programme has awakened a desire for learning in him.
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“I have lost many opportunities outside and I have come to realise that I need to take advantage of this one thing that can make me better.
“I started at the bottom until I reached matric. This is life changing for me because it will equip me with more skills,” said Mahlalela.
Nkosinathi Nkonyane (28), expressed similar sentiments. He started out two years ago when he enrolled for the adult-based education and training course offered at the facility.
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“I have wasted many years and with Covid-19, I am anxious before the exams. We have persevered and worked hard and I hope to obtain a bachelor’s pass on my certificate.
“For me, there is nothing else more important than having an education and I hope to obtain a bachelor’s degree in social work as time progresses,” he said.
With the programme having achieved significant results since its inception, Malomane’s hope for a 100 per cent pass rate may well be realised as the inmates sit for their final exams.
