Inmates secure 132 distinctions in 2025 Matric Exams

The Correctional Services Department is celebrating the achievements of inmates who wrote the matric exam last year

180 imprisoned candidates wrote the exam, and 132 achieved distinctions.

Correctional Services Minister Pieter Groenewald on Monday announced that inmates recorded a pass rate of 94.4 percent.

15 of the country’s 19 correctional schools had a 100 percent pass rate, with KwaZulu-Natal the top-performing province.

The department's top performer, Nkosinathi Jabulani Gumede from Usethubeni Youth School in Westville, KwaZulu-Natal, scored an average of 85.5% with outstanding results in business studies, geography, and tourism.

A close second is Jooste Tyrique, who scored an average of 84.4 at Baviaanspoort Youth School, Gauteng, with distinctions in Afrikaans, business studies, and mathematical literacy.

Minister Groenewald expressed great pride in the top performers.

"Don't let it slip through your fingers. Keep up with that. You know how long you're still going to be with us.  It makes us proud when you leave our facilities, and we know that you are going to make a contribution."

Groenewald added that achievements serve as a powerful reminder that education can thrive even in constrained environments.