Story by Josephine Mugiyo, Diplomatic Correspondent
PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa says his administration will continue to enhance the welfare of civil servants across the country.
The Head of State said this as he officiated at a joint pass-out parade of the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services at the Ntabazinduna Training School, which saw over 1 000 officers graduating.
“My administration continues to enhance the welfare and working conditions of all civil servants, including those serving within the ZPCS. These institutions’ 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.
President Mnangagwa said it is key that the mandate of the correctional services goes beyond the custodial role.
The ZPCS 2025 parade, consisted of two intakes, 156 and 157 numbering 1195 graduates.
The new recruits underwent six months of training.
Addressing the graduands and guests who came to witness the occasion, The Commander in Chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, President Mnangagwa said it is pleasing that the mandate of the ZPCS is now inclusive of rehabilitation and reintegration of offenders.
“It is commendable that the mandate of the ZPCS now extends beyond the traditional custodial role. 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,” he said.
Intake 156 and 157 comprised of professionals drawn for a number of fields which include law, artisanry and psychology and President Mnangagwa says they will impact positively on the operations of the ZPCS.
“I am pleased that among this cohort there are qualified professionals from various trades, including psychologists. These will play a critical role in the services rehabilitation and re integration drive, more so given the trajectory towards humane and restorative correctional practices. Another milestone is the inclusion of lawyers, who are set to help in provision of expert guidance on legal and humanitarian matters. 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 President said.
While noting that under the Second Republic, the country has witnessed a significant re-orientation of the correctional philosophy towards a system grounded in empowerment, President Mnangagwa also said the reintroduction of the parole system is an important development.
“The re-introduction 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. My government will be hosting the inaugural Zimbabwe parole system conference this December to consolidate this initiative. This platform will enable dialogue, knowledge exchange and guide stakeholders, towards a parole framework that balances justice, rehabilitation and community safety in the context of our Zimbabwean and African realities.
As the new recruits head for their different work stations, President Mnangagwa called on them to uphold the spirit of Ubuntu / hunhu as they discharge their duties.
