10 December 2025

The Department of Correctional Services (DCS), in partnership with Kaizer Chiefs and the Twinning Project, celebrated yet another milestone in offender rehabilitation as the second cohort of female inmates graduated from the internationally recognised Twinning Project. The ceremony took place on Wednesday, 10 December 2025, at the Johannesburg Correctional Facility.

The Twinning Project equips participants with football coaching skills and life-orientation training, strengthening their prospects for successful reintegration upon release. The initiative supports DCS’ rehabilitation mandate by fostering personal development, reducing idle time behind bars, and building pathways to future employability. For many of the graduates, the programme has helped challenge long-standing stereotypes while boosting self-confidence and offering a renewed sense of purpose.

Acting National Commissioner of Correctional Services, Mr Tlabo Thokolo said the graduation reflects what strong external partnerships can achieve in the rehabilitation space. Thokolo further emphasised that, “Evidence-based interventions such as the Twinning Project open doors that were once closed to inmates.” CEO of the Twinning Project and FIFA Foundation representative, Mr Freud Hilton MBE congratulated the graduates and emphasised the broader life lessons embedded in the programme.

Hilton emphasised that, “Sport is not just a game, but a teacher. It cultivates discipline, courage and humility, qualities that are essential for rebuilding one’s future.” The same sentiments were echoed by Kaizer Chiefs Marketing and Commercial Director, Ms Jessica Motaung who applauded the inmates’ dedication and willingness to embrace personal transformation. She further remarked, “Football builds strong, resilient personalities. We hope these skills help you return to your communities more confident and better equipped to chart a new path,” as she concluded.

One of the graduates, offender Matshidiso Mahlatse expressed her gratitude to DCS, coaches and partners for creating a supportive learning environment. She said the programme gave her valuable tools, teamwork, discipline and technical coaching knowledge that she believes will shape her future.

According to Mahlatse, “We need to heal from our hardships and focus on self-development. This programme has shown us that standing up for ourselves is possible.”

This cohort follows the inaugural group of female graduates from April 2025. A third intake is scheduled for early 2026. Graduates have received FIFA Foundation competency certificates, opening doors to accredited coaching opportunities locally and internationally.

ENDS