Story by Mercy Bofu-Matinha
THE Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service (ZPCS) says it remains committed to transforming prisons into centres of productivity through equipping inmates with skills that contribute to economic growth.
The 2025 Prisons and Correctional Service Day commemorations held in Masvingo recently, provided a platform to showcase how the ZPCS is transforming prisons into centres of productivity.
Inmates and officers exhibited a wide range of products, including agricultural produce, clothing and textiles, and showcased various skills acquired within correctional facilities.
“I want to appreciate the role that ZPCS is playing in imparting skills to inmates. When I came here, I joined the pottery team and I am now making vases. I look forward to continuing with this work after release so that I can take care of my family,” an inmate said.
“When I came to Mutimurefu Prison, I decided to focus on my studies. I am happy to say that I passed my exams last year, and I am now motivated to continue advancing my education so I can become a professional and support my family,” another inmate said.
ZPCS Officer Commanding Masvingo Province, Commissioner Nelson Chikwature, said the goal is to align correctional services with national development goals.
“We gather to honour the tireless efforts of correctional officers, our development partners, and the broader community in promoting a correctional system that prioritises rehabilitation, human dignity, and national progress. Here in Masvingo, we are implementing a number of initiatives that speak to this year’s theme, including agricultural projects, vocational training centres, and the growing role of our building brigades, which contribute to infrastructure development while imparting certified technical skills to inmates.”
Guest of honour at the event, Masvingo Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Honourable Ezra Chadzamira, commended ZPCS for its transformation efforts.
“The transformation of ZPCS from a punitive institution to a developmental, rights-based correctional model is a story of national progress. We recognise the strategic role of ZPCS in driving industrialisation and economic growth. Correctional industries in agriculture, construction, mining, and manufacturing are key to both rehabilitation and national productivity.”
This year’s commemorations were held under the theme: ‘Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service for Economic Growth Integrating Rehabilitation into Industrialisation.’
