On 30 April 2025, the Unisa College of Education (CEDU) and other representatives of the university visited the Qalakabusha Correctional Centre in Empangeni, KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), as part of an engaged scholarship project housed in the Department of Adult Community and Continuing Education (DACCE) in the School of Educational Studies. The team, led by Prof Ramodungoane Tabane, the school’s director, was accompanied by colleagues from the KZN Regional Office. The purpose of the visit was to hand over educational resources donated by the university’s Assets and Expenditure section.

Seated, from left: Nelisiwe Ndlovu (Area Coordinator), Prof Mpho Dichaba (DACCE), Zamokwakhe Ndlovu (Acting Area Commissioner), Prof Ramodungoane Tabane (Director: School of Educational Studies), Dr Siyanda Cele (DACCE project leader) and Busisiwe Zondo (Head of the Qalakabusha Correctional Centre)

Standing, from left: Vusumuzi Luthuli (Manager: Education and Training), Nombuso Mlungwana (Acting Area Coordinator: Corporate Services), Zama Mbhele (Area Coordinator: Development and Care), Zakhele Ndlovu (Head of the Eshowe Correctional Centre), Dr Duduzile Mkhabela (DACCE) and Sbongiseni Ngubane (Manager: Unisa KZN Library)

This auspicious occasion was opened by the former Empangeni Management Area Chaplain, Bongani Ndlovu, and the programme was directed by Zama Mbhele, Area Coordinator: Development and Care at the Department of Correctional Services (DCS).

The donation included 57 pre-owned and revamped computers and more than 300 academic books for use at the Qalakabusha Correctional Centre Library. Piet Mabuse, Administrative Officer at DACCE, was instrumental in ensuring logistical arrangements related to the project.

In September 2024, DACCE conducted a student support visit to the centre. It was evident that the lack of educational resources available to Unisa students from colleges across the university led to them dropping out.

The donated books cover various disciplines, including education, law, management and the sciences. These resources are intended to support Unisa-registered offenders and correctional educators by addressing the challenges of limited digital and library access, ultimately contributing to teaching and learning, skills development, rehabilitation and academic success.

The estimated value of the donation exceeds R700 000, but its true worth lies in the empowerment it brings, the dignity it restores, and the future it helps to contribute to the lives of studying offenders, and their rehabilitation and preparation for reintegration into their communities.

The donation has no conditions attached to it. CEDU and the university will continue with various student support initiatives through annual visits to ensure the effective usage of the resources and to assist students and educators on their educational journey.

Vusumuzi Luthuli, Manager: Education and Training at DCS, stated that in 2017, Unisa and DCS signed a memorandum of understanding relating to student support activities. The agreement was renewed in 2024. Luthuli stated that the centre was privileged to receive the amazing and wonderful donation from Unisa.

This is not the first time that DACCE has provided student support resources, library books and computers to DCS. In 2017, the then ABET Department under the Women in Research (WiR) project equipped the DCS-Unisa hub at Kgosi Mampuru Female Centre with computers and library books. In 2023, another student support programme by DACCE donated library books to the Waterval Correctional Centre in Newcastle.

Tabane emphasised that the resources donated would assist students in completing their teaching and learning activities and navigating their online modules. He continued: "Unisa is an online institution. Therefore, computers and other learning resources are no longer a luxury but a necessity for students in pursuit of their studies. Donations such as these are an attempt to bridge that gap for Unisa students within correctional facilities."

Dr Siyanda Cele, lecturer and project leader of Serving Humanity by Building Sustainable Communities, stated that the "event is not just a handing over but a testament to shared commitment to educational transformation, rehabilitation and hope for the incarcerated students as part of Unisa’s engagement scholarship project in shaping futures beyond the next 150 years".

Unisa staff handing over the donated resources

DACCE identified education as a critical focus area at correctional facilities. Cele, in his closing remarks, acknowledged the valuable contributions of other dedicated team members, including Prof Lineo Johnson, Dr Duduzile Mkhabela and Piet Mabuse, whose collective efforts have significantly advanced the goals of this impactful initiative.

In her introduction of the Acting Area Commissioner, Busisiwe Christina Zondo, Head of the Qalakabusha Correctional Centre, said that the donated books and computers will be a symbol of hope, progress and endless possibilities.

Emmanuel Zamokwakhe Ndlovu, Acting Area Commissioner, stated that the donated resources marked a milestone in education rehabilitation that spoke to transforming lives, expanding opportunities and enforcing the collective belief in the power of knowledge.

Ndlovu remarked in his address that "education is the beacon of light,  one that shines even in the darkest of places, and through this generous contribution of Unisa, we are reaffirming that learning knows no borders and that everyone deserves access to tools of empowerment".

He continued: "These resources are more than objects; they represent the key to new possibilities as well as a foundation for meaningful change."

Ndlovu then directed his remarks to the incarcerated students, requesting them to embrace and protect the donated resources. He further articulated that the resources would provide inmates with skills, confidence, and a new sense of purpose. He continued: "It will enable them to redefine their future and contribute positively to society when they go back to their respective communities."

Ndlovu extended his deepest gratitude to CEDU and Unisa for their unwavering stance on correctional education and transformation. He concluded by saying that this effort is a reminder that rehabilitation through education is not just a concept; it is a reality that has changed lives across the world.  

Kunene Muziwendoda, a Unisa alumnus and currently an inmate registered for his PhD in Commerce, replying on behalf of the inmates, stated that they are so grateful and appreciate the huge work done by Unisa. He remarked that Unisa is continuing to blaze a trail, particularly given serious technological advancements such as robotics and artificial intelligence.

He concluded: "We hope that Unisa will continue ensuring that students are able to meet the challenges of the new era of technology. This donation will enhance our learning and will provide us, as offenders and students, with a second chance to face the world."

* By Freddy Abilio Mlambo, Communication and Marketing Specialist, CEDU