The successful implementation of the Ex-Cell workshop, a pilot programme of the School of Accountancy at Stellenbosch University (SU) in​​ partnership with the Drakenstein correctional centre near Paarl, proves that incarcerated people can be supported to earn a living in the business world after their release.

The first of its kind in South Africa, the five-day workshop presented in May was attended by 20 youth participants from the Drakenstein centre who will soon be eligible for parole. This first Ex-Cell cohort has​ now been empowered to start a business or find employment.

The Ex-Cell programme is a social impact initiative by Juan Ontong, Sher-Lee Arendse and Ilse Frans, staff members at the School of Accountancy, which is based in SU's Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences. They have been collaborating with the Department of Correctional Services as well as staff from the Faculty of Law and the Ubuntu Learning Community.

According to Ontong, the project was inspired by the difficulties parolees face in finding employment, as their criminal records, a downturning economy and a high unemployment rate often count against them. Ontong, Arendse and Frans are convinced that this dilemma can be solved if incarcerated people, especially the youth, are upskilled before their release and return to the outside world. The three chose the Drakenstein correctional centre as their pilot site because of the large youth contingent incarcerated there.

Core to the design of the project is to offer young people a transformative learning experience through engaged scholarship in order to change society for the better in a sustainable way. Promoting educational and economic opportunities for the youth, the project is further guided by the values and strategic themes embedded in SU's Vision 2040 as well as the National Development Plan. At the same time, all stakeholders also benefit by learning from one another and sharing ideas, experiences and knowledge.

The first Ex-Cell workshop was presented by the three staff members of the School of Accountancy, along with their colleagues, lecturers Cecileen Greef, Lee Ann Kelly and Orlando van Schalkwyk. They covered a wide range of business topics, including analysing a business idea, market research, SWOT analysis, budgeting and funding opportunities, ethical considerations, marketing, crisis management and conflict resolution. 

Part of the programme also focused on finding employment, creating a CV and preparing for an interview. On the last day of the programme, students presented their own business plans, before receiving an Ex-Cell certificate of completion.

Reflecting on the value of the workshop, the presenters believe the programme increases students' ability to make the most of their 'second chance' when they reintegrate with society. The workshop also enhances Drakenstein's rehabilitation process, enables parolees to survive in the business world, and prevents them from slipping back into their old ways.

“Some students are entrepreneurs at heart, with good business ideas, but do not necessarily have the skills and expertise to execute them," says Greeff. “We guided them in how to turn their ideas into reality and a successful business." Arendse, in turn, is impressed at how interactive and engaging the participants were: “They were eager to learn, and excited about the business skills content."

Ontong believes those who completed the workshop can become community leaders, as well as ambassadors for education as a vehicle to transform lives and change society for the better. “The project also offers many opportunities for future collaboration with stakeholders in the business world, and expansion to other correctional facilities," Ontong says. The next workshop is being planned for January 2022. More information will be announced in due course.