Question NW9 to the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services
23 February 2024 - NW9
Msimang, Prof CT to ask the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services
Given that the courts have recognized the right of prisoners to further their education and highlighted the importance of personal computers as tools of education, how does his department intend to facilitate access to educational resources, considering the (a) evolving nature of study material s being available in electronic format and (b) alignment of security measures with the ruling within correctional facilities.
Reply:
a) In line with Formal Education Procedure- section 7.2.7.1, indicates that all offenders who have registered for education programmes that require access to electronic material are granted the use of computers/ laptops within the Correctional Centre. Personal laptops are allowed for educational purposes with the approval of the Head of the Centre.
b) As outlined in the Formal Education Procedure- section 7.2.9, the Department of Correctional Services has a secure room within the Correctional Centre or at the school available specifically for the placement of computers/ laptops for offenders.
A designated official is assigned to specifically control the use and access to all computers/ laptops in the secured room.
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