Story by Nyasha Makota
THE Second Republic’s inclusive development agenda is extending beyond communities to include inmates and ex-convicts through skills development and rehabilitation programmes being implemented by the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service (ZPCS).
Across the country’s correctional facilities, inmates are being equipped with practical vocational skills designed to prepare them for productive lives after serving their sentences.
For many, the training is proving transformative, providing a pathway to self-reliance and reducing the likelihood of reoffending.
At Harare Central Prison, inmates undergoing training in various disciplines say the programmes have given them hope for a better future.
“I came here without any skills, but prison has given me tailoring skills. When I get out, I want to open my own workshop. No more crime, just honest work,” said inmate Edmore Matanyanga.
Another inmate, John Kawanza, said the mechanical skills he is acquiring will enable him to support his family upon release.
“I want to thank ZPCS officials for this empowerment opportunity. Mechanics will help me provide for my children. I am determined never to return to prison,” he said.
The impact of the rehabilitation programmes is already evident among former inmates who have successfully reintegrated into society.
Mr Jacob Mukaro, who was released from prison in 2022, now runs a tailoring business in Harare’s central business district.
“I left prison with very little, but the tailoring skills I acquired became my starting point. I have since managed to buy five sewing machines and now employ and train others in the same trade,” he said.
ZPCS says skills development and entrepreneurship training remain central to its rehabilitation strategy.
“Our main thrust as ZPCS is to produce productive citizens by equipping inmates with vocational and entrepreneurial skills. This is in line with the Government’s mantra of leaving no one and no place behind. At any given time, we have more than 200 inmates enrolled in various training disciplines,” said Officer Commanding Harare Prison Workshops, Superintendent Jabulani Tshuma.
ZPCS Rehabilitation and Reintegration Officer, Correctional Officer Grade 3 Tinashe Kajengo, said success stories such as Mr Mukaro’s demonstrate the effectiveness of the institution’s rehabilitation efforts.
“As ZPCS, we are proud of people like Jacob. His success shows that our rehabilitation and reintegration systems are yielding positive results,” he said.
The rehabilitation programmes are designed to equip inmates with practical skills while serving their sentences and to support their reintegration into society upon release, enabling them to lead productive, crime-free lives and contribute meaningfully to national development.
