102 prisoners write matric exams

A total of 102 prisoners are writing matric exams this year, correctional services said on Tuesday (28/10/2014).

Fifteen were in the Eastern Cape, 35 in Gauteng, 35 in KwaZulu-Natal, and 17 in Mpumalanga.

Justice and Correctional Services Minister Michael Masutha wished them well.

"You are holding the key to a brighter future in your hands. Do not let this slip away from you as any ideal of a thriving economy, with a higher capacity to absorb job seekers, begins with education," Masutha said in a statement.

He commended the number of inmates who chose to get an education in prison. Since 2009 the number of full-time schools in prisons had increased from one to 14.

"The department has been registering outstanding matriculation results with numerous inmates achieving various distinctions."

Masutha said around 35,000 inmates did not have a Grade Nine qualification, while over 5000 could not read, write, or count.

In order to realise the country's ambitions, it was best not to neglect prisoners' untapped potential, he said. - Sapa