AGAINST THE ODDS: SECURE CARE LEARNERS ACHIEVE MATRIC SUCCESS

By Madali Chibambu

• ⁠Education is an important tool for rehabilitation and change, as the matric results for three young learners at the Soshanguve Secure Centre in the City of Tshwane have shown.
• ⁠The three, placed in secure care as a result of being in conflict with the law, have all been accepted into institutions of higher learning where they plan to study subjects as diverse as psychology and tourism.
• Their achievement reflects the ongoing work of the Gauteng Department of Social Development, which provides structured educational support, psychosocial services and rehabilitation programmes within secure care centres.

For three juveniles at the Soshanguve Secure Care Centre in the City of Tshwane, the 2025 matric results marked more than an academic milestone; they represented hope, accountability and the possibility of a different future.

Despite being in conflict with the law and placed in secure care, the learners successfully completed their Grade 12 examinations, proving that education remains a tool for rehabilitation and change.

The learners, Karabo, Noa and Thabo (names withheld to protect their identities), have since been accepted into institutions of higher learning, where they will pursue studies in fields such as psychology and tourism.

Their achievement reflects the ongoing work of the Gauteng Department of Social Development, which provides structured educational support, psychosocial services and rehabilitation programmes within secure care centres to help young people rebuild their lives.

Head of the Soshanguve Secure Care Centre, Patricia Ramere, said the results were the outcome of discipline, consistency and commitment from both the learners and staff.

“We are proud of what these learners have achieved. Their journey has not been easy, but they showed determination and took responsibility for their studies.

“Education plays a critical role in rehabilitation and preparing them for reintegration into society,” said Ramere.

Karabo, who has been in secure care since 2023, described passing matric with a bachelor’s pass as an emotional moment for his family.

“When my family received the news, they were very happy. Although I could not celebrate with them physically, knowing that I made them proud meant everything to me,” he said.

He added that being in secure care had forced him to reflect deeply on his life choices and the value of freedom.

“No one realises how important freedom is until it is taken away. I would not wish this situation on anyone,” he said.

Noa, who plans to study tourism, said his long-term goal is to work in the hospitality industry and one day create employment opportunities, particularly for young people who struggle to access jobs due to past mistakes.

“I want to build a better future for myself and help others do the same. My message to young people is to think carefully about their choices and the consequences that come with them,” he said.

Thabo, who is originally from Jane Furse in Limpopo, said passing matric while in secure care was bittersweet, as he had hoped to celebrate the achievement with his family.

“My life did not turn out the way I imagined, but being here has taught me to accept responsibility and focus on what I can still achieve,” he said.

Care worker Noxolo Maduna said the success of the learners was the result of teamwork and sustained academic support, including collaboration with Soshanguve High School through integration programmes.

“We supported them with schoolwork, homework and exam preparation. Their results show that rehabilitation, when supported by education, can truly make a difference,” said Maduna.

Through these interventions, government continues to prioritise rehabilitation, education and reintegration for youth in conflict with the law with an aim to give young people a second chance.