Online Reporter
Ronald Mpofu [email protected]
PLUMTREE Prison came alive on Wednesday as inmates, officials and members of the public gathered for a vibrant provincial Culture Day celebration.
The event brought together representatives from correctional facilities across Matabeleland South, turning the prison grounds into a space of music, tradition and reflection. It was not just a celebration of culture, but also a reminder of identity, values and the importance of making better life choices.
Established in 1929, Plumtree Prison is a medium security facility under Mangwe District. During the colonial era, it was mainly used to suppress black people. Today, its role has changed. The prison now focuses on correction, rehabilitation and preparing inmates for life after release.
The facility has space for 179 inmates. At present, it houses two female inmates, 132 convicted prisoners and 47 people who are on remand.
Like many other institutions, the prison is facing a growing challenge of inmates with a history of drug and substance abuse. This has also led to an increase in mental health problems among prisoners.
To deal with this, the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service has stepped up rehabilitation programmes.
Inmates are being taught practical skills such as farming and wood carving, while sport and chaplaincy services provide both physical activity and spiritual support.
The Culture Day event was attended by Mangwe District Development Co-ordinator Ms Matilda Mlotshwa, members of the Joint Operations Committee (JOC), the Plumtree School Marimba team and a crew from Radio Bukalanga.
Chief Correctional Officer Sezwe Dube stood in for Officer-in-Charge Superintendent Edward Phiri.
In his speech, Chief Correctional Officer Dube spoke about the importance of identity, culture and making responsible choices, especially when it comes to drug and substance abuse.
“As we are gathered here today, the purpose is to express our own national identity. Our identity should be recognisable through self-esteem and love for our rainbow province and Zimbabwe at large.
“Our various ethnic groups, as enshrined in our constitution, celebrate the diversity of our different cultures in the rainbow province. The celebration of our diverse culture is a noble idea, especially when it allows us to enjoy the consumption of indigenous foods such as umxhanxa, inkobe, amasi, and uhayezi.
“Let us celebrate our African culture, African clothing, and our national dress. This will safeguard our culture and call upon us to invoke our values of Ubuntu/Hunhu in order to tackle the different vices that have begun to manifest, escalate, and negatively affect our youth and society. Drugs and dangerous crimes threaten the very future survival of our country, our morals, and indeed the making of our future leaders,” Dube said.
He added that arts and culture have an important role to play in building the economy and reducing inequality, especially by involving young people.
Chief Correctional Officer Dube said young people must be given opportunities to grow while also being grounded in Zimbabwean identity through culture, history, language and national values.
Ms Mlotshwa also addressed the gathering, bringing a lighter and reflective mood as she spoke about traditional songs, indigenous food and the lessons passed down through storytelling.
She urged inmates to take these lessons seriously and share them with future generations.
“Our elders knew what they were telling us; they were giving us hints on how to live life without trouble. Some of you are behind these walls today because you ignored tales from your grandparents and parents.
“Culture is not just about looking back at the past; it is a gateway to the future. I am pleased to note that the concept of Culture Month perfectly dovetails with His Excellency’s national vision — Vision 2030 — towards the attainment of an upper-middle-class economy.
“Our rural communities remain the cornerstone of our national cultural values. It is within these communities that we must foster strong family structures, character development, and a sense of belonging for both the young and the old. I call upon everyone today to revisit and live within our esteemed cultural values of integrity, love, dignity, and respect,” Ms Mlotshwa said.
She ended by warning that drug abuse and crime continue to pose a serious threat to society and the country’s future, stressing that young people struggling with addiction should not be neglected.
The Culture Day celebrations at Plumtree Prison were more than just entertainment. They offered inmates a chance to reconnect with their roots, reflect on their choices and look ahead to a better future.
