Online Reporter
Precious Manomano
Herald Reporter
CULTURE is emerging as a powerful tool in the rehabilitation and reintegration of offenders, with the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service (ZPCS) increasingly incorporating cultural heritage, creative arts and traditional values into correctional programmes to equip inmates with life skills and prepare them for productive lives after release.
This was highlighted on Saturday during the ZPCS Harare Metropolitan Province’s belated Culture Day commemorations held at Chikurubi Damview Resort under the theme, “Creativity and Diversity: Advancing Vision 2030 through Cultural Expressions”.
Speaking at the event, Harare Metropolitan Province Permanent Secretary for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Dr Shingirayi Mushamba, said correctional facilities should evolve beyond being centres of incarceration to become institutions that nurture talent, preserve Zimbabwe’s rich cultural heritage and empower offenders with practical skills for successful reintegration into society.
He said cultural programmes play a critical role in helping inmates discover and develop their talents, acquire sustainable livelihood skills and embrace values that promote responsible citizenship and contribute to national development.
“Cultural activities allow offenders to develop talents, preserve Zimbabwe’s heritage and gain practical skills to support livelihoods after release,” said Dr Mushamba.
He said Government views culture as an important driver of social cohesion, national identity and economic development in line with Vision 2030, with the devolution agenda empowering communities to preserve and promote their cultural heritage.
Dr Mushamba commended the cordial relationship between correctional officers and inmates, saying it was reflected in the free expression of cultural rights through language, traditional dress, indigenous cuisine, music and dance during the commemorations.
He urged inmates to continue honing their talents and vocational skills, saying these would enhance self-reliance and reduce the chances of reoffending upon their release.
The event featured exhibitions of traditional foods, indigenous attire, music, dance, poetry, drama, crafts and artwork produced by inmates and correctional officers, demonstrating the role of culture in fostering creativity, discipline and rehabilitation.
Harare Metropolitan Province Officer Commanding, Commissioner Charity Gezi, said Culture Day complements the Service’s correctional philosophy of transforming offenders into responsible and productive citizens.
She said cultural activities provide inmates with opportunities to rediscover their potential while promoting unity, discipline and appreciation of Zimbabwe’s diverse cultural heritage.
The commemorations brought together officers and representatives from correctional institutions across Harare Metropolitan Province, reaffirming ZPCS’ commitment to modernising correctional facilities into rehabilitation centres that support Government’s Vision 2030 agenda through skills development, cultural preservation and successful offender reintegration.
