Blacks get top prison posts

The Herald, 28 October, 1980

TWO blacks have been appointed deputy directors of the Zimbabwe Prison Service and 18 others have been given top posts by the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Senator Simbi Mubako.

Senator Mubako said yesterday he had taken these “far reaching measures” because all along the staffing in the service had been divided on racial lines.

“The blacks have been generally at the bottom of the ladder, while whites were predominantly at the top,” he said.

“All senior posts from the director – the highest position in the service – chief superintendents, chief prison officers and the rest have until now been held by whites only.

“Most blacks in the service were warders and only recently were some admitted as prison officers. No black was at the top despite the fact that some of them have been serving for a long time.”

All the 34 appointments, announced yesterday, become effective from Saturday.

The deputy directors are Mr Langton Chigwida and Mr Nicholas T. Mapfumo, both long-serving members of the Prison Service.

LESSONS FOR TODAY

Appointing blacks to senior management positions after independence significantly impacted political representation, economic transformation and social change.

The appointments marked a shift from colonial rule, where political power was predominantly held by white minorities.

By placing blacks in senior positions, the Government aimed to ensure that the leadership reflected the demographic makeup of the country.

This empowerment fostered a sense of ownership among the black population regarding national governance and policies. It also encouraged greater participation in political processes, as more individuals could see themselves represented at high levels.

The inclusion of blacks in senior management roles was intended to address economic disparities created during colonialism.

By promoting black professionals into leadership positions, there was an effort to redistribute economic power and resources more equitably.

This shift aimed to enhance economic opportunities for previously marginalised groups, leading to increased entrepreneurship and investment within black communities.