The Unisa Western Cape Region attended a Correctional Services National Matric Results Awards Ceremony in Goodwood on 19 January 2026, where Unisa was recognised as a key stakeholder in providing tertiary education to incarcerated students.

The university was represented by Regional Director, Motale Nkgoang, reflecting the region’s active role in supporting initiatives which contribute to rehabilitation within correctional environments.

The event, hosted at the Goodwood Correctional Facility, brought together officials, educators, learners and partners to recognise academic achievement and personal transformation. 

The proceedings opened with a devotion led by Rev Jayiya, followed by an inspiring message from Mr Fonqoqa, a Unisa student, a representative of the Black Lawyers’ Association, and a practitioner of Medical Malpractice Law. Fonqoqa, an ex-offender who served an 18-year sentence, shared how education during incarceration transformed his life and enabled him to become a consulting business owner. He is also a winner of the Unisa National Moot Court Competition. He encouraged incarcerated learners never to stop dreaming and to believe in their potential for change.

The ceremony was officially opened by the National Commissioner of Correctional Services, Makgothi Thobakgale, who praised Unisa as a key partner. "Education serves humanity by opening hearts through service," he said.

The Minister of Correctional Services, Dr Pieter Groenewald, announced the results and commended correctional services, management, educators and stakeholders for their collaborative efforts. He reaffirmed that the education of the nation is central to its future, noting that a change in motive is the first step toward transformation. 

"The learners," said Groenewald, "are living examples of resilience, discipline and renewed purpose, and through education, they are now positioned to contribute meaningfully to their families, communities and to South Africa as a whole."

The minister praised the Department of Correctional Services for maintaining an ethical examination environment, with no irregularities recorded during the matric examinations, and emphasised the importance of equipping learners with skills for their successful reintegration into the workplace. 

The academic outcomes reflected the strength of this collective effort, with a national overall pass rate of 94.4%. A total of 180 offenders from 18 schools obtained their matric certificates, with 102 distinctions achieved. A total of 15 schools recorded a 100% pass rate, up from 13 in 2024. 

The ceremony reaffirmed the value of education as a cornerstone of rehabilitation. It underscored the importance of continued collaboration between correctional services, Unisa and other stakeholders in creating meaningful pathways for change.

* By Lee-Anne Davids, Acting Communications Manager, Unisa Western Cape Region