Understanding Recidivism amongst Incarcerated Youth Offenders: A Case Study of the Thohoyandou Correctional Centre
Andrew Banda , Thizwilondi Josephine Mudau 
& Rendani Tshifhumulo
Issue: Vol. 6 No.12 Article 37 pp.3409 – 3422
DOI: https://doi.org/10.38159/ehass.202561237 | Published online 28th November, 2025
© 2025 The Author(s). This is an open access article under the CCBY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
Violence and crime in South African communities, particularly the influence of youth gangs, threaten economic stability and social cohesion, affecting social reproduction and intergenerational poverty. Recidivism among young offenders results from personal, familial, community, and institutional interactions. This study examined recidivism patterns among youth at the Thohoyandou Correctional Centre, identifying factors that contribute to repeated offending. Through purposive sampling, 20 juvenile reoffenders were interviewed to gain insight into their experiences within the criminal justice system. The findings revealed five recidivism dimensions: poverty and unemployment driving crime, substance abuse impairing judgement, peer pressure and gang involvement, family dysfunction hindering reintegration, and institutional environments fostering recidivism by mixing first-time and repeat offenders. Effective interventions must address systemic inequality and provide individualised support. The study shows how correctional environments may perpetuate criminal careers among young South Africans, highlighting the need for policy reforms to address institutional practices and the social determinants of youth crime.
Keywords: Correctional Centre, Juveniles, Offenders, Recidivism, Youth Crime, Rehabilitation
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Professor Rendani Tshifhumulo is the Head of the Department of Arts and Social Sciences at the University of Venda. With over 24 years of experience in university teaching, she has established a distinguished career as a sociologist. She holds a PhD from the University of Venda, an MA from the University of Pretoria, and a Postgraduate Diploma from Rhodes University. Professor Tshifhumulo has published more than 46 articles in peer-reviewed, accredited journals, as well as 11 book chapters, focusing on topics such as domestic violence, culture, and contemporary social issues. She is the author of two books and has edited a special issue. Additionally, she has supervised over 40 Honours, Master’s, and PhD students to completion. Prof Tshifhumulo is passionate about community engagement and actively works on various projects to support school learners. She is a member of the South African Sociological Association (SASA) and participates in various university committees, including the Faculty Higher Degree Committee, the Research Ethics Committee for Social Sciences, and the Senate.
Mr Andrew Banda was a student at the University of Venda. He has obtained his Master’s in the University of Venda. He is the manager at the correctional service in Louistrichardt at the Kutama Sinthumule Prison.
Professor Thizwilondi Josephine Mudau is a scholar of Sociology of Education and an astute professor at the University of Venda, South Africa. She holds a PhD in Sociology of Education from the University of Venda, Limpopo Province, South Africa. She also holds a Master’s in Gender Studies from the University of Venda, South Africa. She also holds an Honours degree in Gender Studies. She also holds a Bachelor of Arts degree. She is also a teacher by profession (Post Graduate Certificate in Education). She has been actively involved in various capacities as an academic of repute at the University of Venda for the last 18 years. She was also awarded Best Women Publisher in an accredited journal for the year 2024. Currently, she holds the position of Head of Department of Youth in Development, Faculty of Humanities, Social Sciences, and Education. She is also the coordinator of GBV at the University of Venda. She is also the facilitator of GBV for the nation’s eyes. Her research interests span several areas, including youth-related matters, Gender issues, educational issues, Health issues, conflict resolution issues, religion, sociological issues, and Indigenous knowledge issues. Professor Mudau has published over 60 articles in a range of high-impact journals.
Banda, Andrew, Thizwilondi Josephine Mudau & Rendani Tshifhumulo,“Understanding Recidivism amongst Incarcerated Youth Offenders: A Case Study of the Thohoyandou Correctional Centre,” E-Journal of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences 6, no. 12 (2025): 3409 – 3422, https://doi.org/10.38159/ehass.202561237.
© 2025 The Author(s). Published and Maintained by Noyam Journals. This is an open access article under the CCBY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
