Vusumuzi Dube in Ntabazinduna
PRESIDENT MNANGAGWA has reiterated the critical role that rehabilitated inmates play in advancing the nation’s development agenda, emphasising the Second Republic’s bold decision to reorient Zimbabwe’s correctional philosophy, grounding it in empowerment, positive change, purpose and impact.
Speaking at the joint Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service (ZPCS) pass-out parade for courses 156 and 157 at the Ntabazinduna Training Depot, the President said the introduction of the parole system in Zimbabwe and community correctional centres would significantly contribute towards revamping the country’s rehabilitation services and ultimately support the nation’s development.
President Mnangagwa
“Under the Second Republic, we have witnessed a significant reorientation of the correctional philosophy towards a system grounded in empowerment, positive change, purpose and impact,” he said.
“This approach affirms the belief of my Administration that every Zimbabwean has a role to play in building our motherland, Zimbabwe. As such, inmates, once rehabilitated, must do their part; no one and no place is being left behind in our ongoing national development agenda.
“To this end, the reintroduction and broadening of the Parole System marks a major milestone. The system will now be extended to deserving individuals who have demonstrated genuine reform and readiness to positively contribute to society.”
The President said the country’s hosting of the inaugural Zimbabwe parole system conference in December will enable dialogue, knowledge exchange and guide stakeholders towards a parole framework that balances justice, rehabilitation and community safety.
“In the same vein, Government is also advancing the establishment of Community Correctional Centres, which provide non-custodial alternatives for selected inmates.
“These centres will promote rehabilitation within communities, while easing congestion in correctional facilities.
The President said the country’s hosting of the inaugural Zimbabwe parole system conference in December will enable dialogue, knowledge exchange and guide stakeholders towards a parole framework that balances justice, rehabilitation and community safety.
“It is commendable that the mandate of the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service now extends beyond the traditional custodial role,” he said. “The new thrust that encompasses rehabilitation, correction and reintegration of offenders, while upholding human dignity, is in line with our rich heritage, constitutional values and international best practices, with regard to correctional management.”
President Mnangagwa said it was pleasing to note that among the graduating recruit prison officers there were various professions like lawyers, artisans and psychologists, whom he said would go a long way in contributing towards the reorientation of the country’s rehabilitation systems.
He said the inclusion of lawyers will play a critical role in the service’s rehabilitation and reintegration drive, more so given the trajectory towards humane and restorative correctional practices.
“Another notable milestone is the inclusion of lawyers, who are set to help in the provision of expert guidance on legal and humanitarian matters,” said President Mnangagwa.
President Mnangagwa said it was pleasing to note that among the graduating recruit prison officers there were various professions like lawyers, artisans and psychologists, whom he said would go a long way in contributing towards the reorientation of the country’s rehabilitation systems.
“Such skills among officers will undoubtedly strengthen the capacity of ZPCS to fairly administer justice, while also upholding human rights, in line with the spirit and letter of constitutional and international standards.
“The addition of artisans must see the operational efficiency within the service over and above training of essential life and vocational skills to inmates for reintegration into society, as productive citizens.
“It is my expectation that artisans will also be critical assets in the infrastructure upgrade, development and modernisation within our correctional facilities.”
President Mnangagwa further reiterated the Government’s commitment towards enhancing the welfare and working conditions of all civil servants, including those serving within the ZPCS.
“These efforts reflect our deep appreciation of the critical role that civil servants play in advancing our national vision and building a prosperous Zimbabwe,” he said.
The joint pass-out parade comprised two courses (156 and 157), where a total of 1 195 prison officers graduated after a comprehensive six-month training period.
The President took the opportunity to warn members of the country’s security services to shun drug and substance abuse, saying the public looked up to them to preserve peace, stability and public safety.
“My Government remains resolute in combating the scourge of drug and substance abuse, particularly among our young people. This menace undermines the moral fibre and productivity of our society,” he said.
“Let me make it abundantly clear that there is no room within our Security Services for those who indulge in or promote such destructive behaviour. The nation looks up to you to preserve peace, stability and public safety. I, therefore, urge all officers, as well as the youth, to shun drug and substance abuse in all its forms.”
President Mnanagagwa congratulated the ZPCS Commissioner-General Dr Moses Cyril Ngawaite Chihobvu on his recent appointment to the Board of the International Corrections and Prisons Association, during its conference, held in Turkey, noting that the prestigious recognition underscored Zimbabwe’s growing influence in the global fraternity of correctional institutions.
“I challenge you, Commissioner-General, to use that platform to advance partnerships and synergies that will impact the ongoing drive to modernise ZPCS so that it meaningfully contributes to national development,” he said.
“ZPCS has so much to offer as a case study to other institutions, with whom knowledge sharing and exchanges must be encouraged.
“On exchange programmes, I would like to commend the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service for maintaining and strengthening regional cooperation through its Staff College, which continues to train officers from regional institutions.”
The joint pass-out parade comprised two courses (156 and 157), where a total of 1 195 prison officers graduated after a comprehensive six-month training period.
Of the prison officers who graduated, 807 were male and 157 female.
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