On the thirty-sixth anniversary of former President Nelson Mandela’s release from prison, President Cyril Ramaphosa gave the opening address at the launch of the Nelson Mandela Rules Training Academy, which he said is a “powerful affirmation” of Mandela’s values.

The Nelson Mandela Rules Training Academy was officially opened on Wednesday at the Drakenstein Correctional Facility, formerly known as Victor Verster Prison, in the Western Cape, the last place Mandela was imprisoned before his release.

The Academy is the first of its kind in Africa to focus exclusively on the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners, known as the Nelson Mandela Rules.

It will serve as a centre for learning, research and shared knowledge, and help shape better correctional practices.

Ramaphosa said one cannot overcome crime in South Africa without having a “frank, honest” conversation about the rehabilitation of offenders, their re-integration into society, and prevention of re-offending. 

He explained that the facility symbolised the humanisation of corrections, the elevation of dignity, and the global pursuit of justice rooted in humanity.

“Our people are fed up with crime, and at most times are inclined to the ‘lock the door and throw away the key’ mentality when it comes to offenders,” he said.

He explained that offenders came from communities and families.

“They are mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, daughters and sons. They are husbands, wives, partners, friends and colleagues. In as much as far too many in our country have been impacted by crime, there are also many families across the country from whence the offenders came, and they too have suffered,” he said.

He highlighted that once offenders had served their sentences, ex-offenders were released back into the community. 

It was, therefore, a priority to ensure that they were rehabilitated and provided with the necessary support to successfully reintegrate into society.

Ramaphosa said the academy would focus on providing education, skills training and support to inmates in line with the Nelson Mandela Rules – to provide opportunity to inmates in preparation for life outside prison, and for those serving long sentences, a chance to better themselves.

“I am told this is the first such facility of its kind on the African continent, so it will serve as a knowledge hub not only for South African officials, but also for the global corrections community,” he stated.

Last year Minister of Correctional Services Dr Pieter Groenewald disclosed that over the past three years more than 18 000 ex-offenders out on parole re-offended, including for serious crimes.

Ex-offenders faced many challenges when they exited prison, particularly the stigma of having been behind bars.

“Many lack basic financial stability. Because they have a criminal record it is difficult, if not impossible to find work. Many ex-offenders leave prison with untreated mental health and substance abuse problems. Rebuilding trust with family members and friends is perhaps the hardest of all,” Ramaphosa said.

Facing social stigma, an unwelcoming environment and social isolation, far too many returned to a life of crime, Ramaphosa pointed out.

Last year, work commenced on refurbishing the Drakenstein Management Area Training Center into this new facility.

Ramaphosa noted that the furniture that filled the academy had also been produced by offenders within correctional system.

“…every table, every chair, every crafted piece speaks to the power of skills development, meaningful work and desire for change.

“Today we open a repurposed, renovated and expanded facility, transformed into a modern training academy. One cannot help but marvel at the quality of workmanship. It fills me with pride to appreciate work of such high standard being produced by local hands, by men and women within our correctional system,” he said.

He highlighted that working together with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime as the custodian of the Nelson Mandela Rules, the academy would ensure that training, practice and policy were firmly guided by the values Madiba stood for.