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The Correctional Services department says a total of 79.25% of prisoners who wrote National Senior Certificate examinations passed in 2012.
Minister Sibusiso Ndebele congratulated the inmates and conveyed the department's appreciation to all role-players, including the educators, tutors and correctional officials involved.
The 2012 pass rate was higher compared to 2011 which was at 66.66%.
Ndebele said from the new financial year ,April 1, it would be compulsory for inmates without qualification equivalent to Grade 9 to complete Adult Education and Training level one to four.
He said the department was working towards turning South Africa's prisons into learning centres as key to rehabilitation was empowering offenders to have skills to function effectively in society.
