“It takes courage, dedication, hard work, commitment, passion and tenacity to study while working. I wish our participants who are writing both matric and tertiary examinations well,” says Assistant General Manager (AGM ), Mthandeni Malinga.

Malinga says the examinations were an important milestone for the participants and it was encouraging to witness participants taking ownership of their lives and shaping their future through education.

“As provincial management we support and congratulate participants for their efforts. We wish them all the best as they are about to write their final examinations,” he says.

Malinga says participants understand that they cannot remain participants in the programme forever. “One of the participants who came through the female parolee initiative and is now a Crew Leader passed her matric in June. That is a great achievement,” he says proudly, adding that some participants are using their stipends to fund their education.

According to matriculant Nomphelo Magowa from the Roodeplaat Team, who is a mother of two, studying part-time can be taxing on finances and time.

Among the participants who are writing their examinations are Thomas Maphoka, Mafukulwana Nolufefe, Mtati Lolwabo and Elsie Molahlegi.