Unisa offers incarcerated women pathways to rehabilitation and integration

In a groundbreaking initiative intended to sow the seeds of change and empowerment, the Inside-out Outside-in South African Corrections Interest Group, housed in the College of Human Sciences’ Department of Psychology, ushered in the new year with a transformative career day exhibition on Thursday, 13 February 2025. This interest group is a Flagship Engaged Scholarship Project, driven in collaboration with the Department of Correctional Services (DCS). The first visit of 2025 was at the Gender Responsive Centre, formerly known as the Female Correctional Centre, in Laudium. This exhibition was of particular importance because it was the first time that Inside-out Outside-in had the opportunity to host a career day for women in conflict with the law. 

Incarcerated women attending the expo

The event, designed as an exhibition of support for both incarcerated students and correctional services officials, is a partnership among various stakeholders from Unisa and It’s Possible for All, a non-profit organisation. Another critical part of the event was the donation of 100 academic books to the prison library, a contribution from the Unisa Library under the auspices of the Inside-out Outside-in Book Club.  

DCS staff and the Inside-out Outside-in team displaying books that were donated to the centre’s library

Advocate Patricia Masinga-Thobejane, Head of the Gender Responsive Centre, welcomed everyone and emphasised the significance of education in the journey that each incarcerated individual must take, insisting that it is perhaps the best path towards rehabilitation and reintegration. This sentiment resonated strongly with the shared vision of all present, that is, the belief in the power of education to shape better futures. Masinga-Thobejane reinforced this belief, stating, “Beautiful moments in life cannot be seen or touched; they are felt by the heart”. She emphasised that education does more than provide knowledge, it restores dignity, fosters purpose and ignites a future filled with many possibilities.

Adv Patricia Masinga-Thobejane (Head: Gender Responsive Centre)

Furthermore, Masinga-Thobejane shared that beyond education, the correctional centre offers a holistic rehabilitative environment, providing in-house services such as a beauty salon (nails, hair, etc), a well-equipped farm, a horse ranch, and a tuck shop, all aimed at equipping offenders with practical skills for reintegration into society. Masinga-Thobejane shared her perspective on her role as the Head of the Centre, expressing that she does not see the incarcerated individuals as offenders only, but rather as people who deserve a second chance, guidance and support on their path to transformation.

The career day exhibition showcased the collaborative efforts of various Unisa colleges and units, including the College of Law, the College of Human Sciences, the College of Economic and Management Sciences, the Directorate: Counselling and Career Development, the Unisa Library, the Directorate: Student Funding, and the Recognition of Prior Learning unit. In attendance were both current and prospective Unisa students affiliated with the Gender Responsive Centre, as well as DCS officials. The aim of the programme was to address academic and administrative-related queries, provide guidance on Unisa courses, and facilitate an open dialogue about the transformative potential of education.

Adding a practical dimension to the event, one of the women in conflict with law gave a testimonial and encouraged her fellow offenders to consider enrolling for studies at Unisa. She shared how it gave her a reason to wake up and look forward to her studies, thereby assisting her to survive the confined space of the correctional centre.

The collaborative spirit of the career day exhibition has laid a concrete foundation for positive change within the DCS community. The event served as a beacon of hope, illuminating the transformative role that education plays in breaking the cycle of incarceration and fostering a more inclusive and educated society.

An attendee consults Unisa personnel for career guidance

The conclusion of the day’s activities was marked by a sense of accomplishment and a shared commitment among participants to contribute towards the betterment of the centre’s community, inside and out. In the corridors of the Gender Responsive Centre, a new narrative is being written; one of redemption, education, and the unwavering belief that every individual, regardless of past circumstances, has the potential to unlock a brighter and more promising future.

* By Katlego Pilane, Communications and Marketing Officer, College of Human Sciences, with input from ChatGPT