The Durban University of Technology (DUT) and the National Electronic Media Institute of South Africa (NEMISA) KZN CoLab recently conducted a comprehensive training programme at Ncome Correctional Services. The training recently took place at Vryheid.
The training aimed to equip inmates with essential digital literacy skills, empowering them for a smoother reintegration into society upon their release. This initiative is part of DUT’s commitment to community engagement and social responsibility and demonstrates the university’s dedication to making a positive impact in the lives of individuals and communities.
NEMISA has been tasked with a critical mission to provide digital skills training across South Africa. This initiative is aligned with the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies’ National Development Plan (NDP) 2030 goal of e-skilling the nation. By achieving this goal, South Africa aims to create a digitally empowered society, equipped with the skills necessary to thrive in the digital age.
As part of its national digital skills development strategy, NEMISA established a collaborative network with universities across South Africa. In 2011, the DUT was selected as the KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) CoLab, tasked with conducting digital skills training throughout the province.
The digital skills training programme , specifically designed for inmates, was successfully implemented at the Ncome Correctional Services facility. The training targeted inmates from both Maximum and Medium B sections. The first phase of the training took place at the Maximum Prison from Monday, 4 November 2024 to Wednesday,6 November 2024. During this period, a total of 43 inmates participated in the programme, acquiring essential digital skills to enhance their rehabilitation and reintegration into society.
Building on the success of the initial training phase, the team continued to empower inmates with digital skills at the Medium B prison from Wednesday, 6 November 2024 to Friday, 8 November 2024. The additional of 79 inmates participated in the training programme. In total, 122 inmates from the Ncome Correctional Services facility successfully completed the Mobile Digital Literacy training and received their certificates. The inmates demonstrated remarkable respect and gratitude for the training.
The handing over of certificates was graced by the presence of the Acting Commissioner, Mr JG Erwee, who was joined by other senior management staff. There were 43 inmates completed the course. This dignified presence underscored the significance of the occasion, as the inmates received their Mobile Digital Literacy certificates.
As a heartfelt gesture of gratitude, the inmates crafted a beautiful wooden design, thoughtfully inscribing it with the message: “Cindy DUT and Nelisiwe DUT”. This touching tribute reflected the inmates’ sincere appreciation for the digital literacy training provided by the DUT team.
Cindy Stewart, Programmes Coordinator at DUT, reflected on the training experience, noting that the inmates were extremely eager to learn and were highly engaged throughout the sessions. “Despite most of them being introduced to new technology for the first time, they demonstrated a remarkable ability to adapt and absorb the information,” Stewart added.
Stewart further shared that during a follow-up visit the inmates expressed their gratitude and commented on the significant amount they had learned, highlighting the programme’s positive impact.
The programme was overwhelmingly successful, exceeding expectations in terms of inmate engagement, participation, and overall impact.
Pictured: DUT Team, wardens and the inmates of Ncome Prison receiving their participation certificates after the Digital literacy training.
Phiwayinkosi Sibiya/ Sinamile Sithole
