Story by Wellington Makonese
THE Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service (ZPCS) has underscored the critical role of culture in inmate rehabilitation, national identity and social integration, as the country concludes Culture Month commemorations.
This emerged during commemorations held at Whahwa Prison in the Midlands Province this Friday, where inmates, schoolchildren and correctional officers showcased Zimbabwe’s rich heritage through traditional artefacts, indigenous foods and cultural performances.
The event highlighted Government’s growing emphasis on rehabilitation and restorative justice, with ZPCS adopting programmes designed to equip inmates with life skills while promoting national values and cultural identity.
Inmates who participated in the commemorations said the initiatives are helping preserve Zimbabwean traditions while fostering personal transformation.
“Culture is our identity, and these commemorations are helping preserve our traditions for future generations. We do this to remind each other why we should have organic food, which preserves our health,” an inmate said.
“As an inmate, I want to thank ZPCS for the programs that are promoting our skills and promoting our values as a people,” another inmate said.
“Our traditional foods, dances and values must continue to be taught to young people, as you can see, this ensures that we are not infiltrated,” a pupil said.
“NAC commends ZPCS for preservation of our culture, the programs are there to rebuild lives through embracing the diverse cultures, inmates learning about diversity in action,” Provincial Manager – National Arts Council of Zimbabwe, Ms Kumbirai Kupfavira said.
The ZPCS is going beyond a punitive model to rehabilitation, skills enhancing restorative justice.
“The model that is empowering our people to not just see them as inmates but people with abilities and be able to integrate back into society in a better way. We are moving beyond just incarceration but enhancing their skills,” ZPCS Acting Officer Commanding Midlands, Assistant Commissioner Clemence Chigogo said.
Midlands Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Honourable Owen Ncube, who toured the exhibition stands, spoke on the importance of preserving our national heritage, while commending the ZPCS for its inclusive programmes.
“It is important to intensify the country’s cultural diversity in rehabilitation and reintegration of inmates, which cannot be overemphasised. What has happened strengthens the culture restoration of our dignity as a people. This resonates with the programs being initiated by the First Lady Amai Auxillia Mnangagwa through gastronomy tourism, nhanga/gota,” he said.
The National Culture Month commemorations held at Barbourfields Stadium on May 21 saw President Dr Emmerson Mnangagwa rallying Zimbabweans to embrace, preserve and harness the country’s rich cultural heritage and diversity as a cornerstone for national identity and development.
