College of Law
Mangaung inmate turns a leaf by obtaining a Unisa LLB degree with multiple distinctions
The steel bars did not pose as a deterrent to the determined and transformed Teboho Malei, an inmate at Mangaung Correctional Centre in the Free State Province, who recently obtained his Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree at Unisa with 20 distinctions. For him, his detention served as a turning point towards pursuing a better life and transforming society through education.
Unisa, the mecca of excellence
Because of Unisa’s open distance and e-learning modality that reaches far and wide, Malei hails the university as the bridge that enables inmates to reach their academic goals, driven by its commitment to student-centric and on-demand support structures to ensure academic excellence. He says: "Studying through Unisa enabled me to stay focused and obtain my qualification despite my conditions."
"The reason I chose to study law at Unisa," says Malei, "is because I wanted in-depth knowledge of South Africa’s criminal justice system – particularly the intricacies of taxation law." He adds: "Studying law has always been my dream from a young age – and Unisa made me tick this box."
Malei’s broader vision encompasses gaining a foothold as a senior counsel in tax law. True to his goal, Malei says he has already applied for a Master of Laws in Tax Law (LLM) at Unisa. He explains: "After my release on parole in 2028, I am going to do practical vocational training assessment, and thereafter, enrol for the competency-based examinations set by the Legal Practice Council. This is necessary not only to demonstrate that I am a reformed convict, but it also proves that I am a passionate individual ready to serve South Africans through legal knowledge within tax specialisation."
"Professor Magano’s luminous spirit held me high"
"Studying in prison is not a walk in the park," admits Malei, adding that amidst the tumultuous toils within prison, he had to write his first examination in solitary confinement in 2020. "Without the support and intervention of educators at the prison’s education centre, including Professor Meahabo Magano, Executive Director of Unisa’s Department of Tuition Support and Facilitation of Learning, I would not be a graduate today."
Furthermore, Malei emphasises that Magano, who constantly visits inmates around the country – her spirited motivation held his hopes high towards his vision of obtaining his qualification. He adds: "Professor Magano sees doors where there are walls. Amazingly, she sees inmates not as society’s castaways, but as dreamers who met unfortunate circumcentres yet remained energised by the hope of positively rebuilding their lives, families and societies by becoming better persons. The partnership between the Department of Correctional Services and Unisa makes this possible."
Concluding, Malei extends his appreciation to the Department of Correctional Services and the G4S Education Centre team. "I also extend special thanks to the G4S’s education manager, who kept my spirit high."
* By Godfrey Madibane, Acting Journalist, Department of Institutional Advancement
Publish date: 2025-11-25 00:00:00.0
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