Johannesburg facility celebrates second cohort of female inmates completing Kaizer Chiefs’ Twinning Project training. Pictures Credits: Supplied
By Staff Reporter
Johannesburg – Wednesday, 10 December 2025, the Johannesburg Correctional Facility hosted a significant graduation ceremony celebrating the second intake of female inmates who completed the internationally recognised Twinning Project. This collaboration between the Department of Correctional Services (DCS), Kaizer Chiefs, and the Twinning Project continues to make strides in offender rehabilitation through sport and life skills development.
The Twinning Project equips participants with football coaching expertise alongside life-orientation training, designed to enhance their chances of successful reintegration into society upon release. The initiative aligns with the DCS’ rehabilitation goals by encouraging personal growth, reducing idle time during incarceration, and paving the way for future employment opportunities. For many inmates, the programme has proven transformative, challenging longstanding stereotypes, fostering self-confidence, and inspiring renewed purpose.
Acting National Commissioner of Correctional Services, Mr Tlabo Thokolo, highlighted the importance of collaborative partnerships in driving rehabilitation efforts. “Evidence-based interventions such as the Twinning Project open doors that were once closed to inmates,” he said, underlining the programme’s impact.
Adding to this, Mr Freud Hilton MBE, CEO of the Twinning Project and representative of the FIFA Foundation, congratulated the graduates and spoke about the broader life lessons delivered through sport: “Sport is not just a game, but a teacher. It cultivates discipline, courage and humility, qualities that are essential for rebuilding one’s future.”
Kaizer Chiefs Marketing and Commercial Director, Ms Jessica Motaung, echoed these sentiments, praising the inmates for their commitment and openness to change. “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,” she stated.
One graduate, Matshidiso Mahlatse, expressed heartfelt gratitude toward the programme’s facilitators and partners. She described how the training provided valuable skills in teamwork, discipline, and coaching techniques that will shape her future. “We need to heal from our hardships and focus on self-development. This programme has shown us that standing up for ourselves is possible,” Mahlatse reflected.
This recent graduation follows the first cohort that completed the Twinning Project in April 2025. Plans are already underway for a third intake set for early 2026. Graduates receive FIFA Foundation competency certificates, which offer them opportunities for accredited football coaching careers both in South Africa and internationally.
The continued success of the Twinning Project illustrates the powerful role of sport in rehabilitation, offering inmates practical skills and hope for a fresh start beyond incarceration.
