Online Reporter
Raymond Jaravaza [email protected]
THE oval shaped courtyard where inmates at Khami Maximum Prison use a space to relax, socialise and partake in recreational activities was turned into a temporary centre for dance, drama, music and poetry when the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service (ZPCS) Matabeleland North Province hosted the belated Culture Day Celebrations on Friday.
The event brought together inmates, correctional officers and members of the community in an event that highlighted the importance of culture, unity and rehabilitation.
The celebrations transformed the prison complex into a hub of music, dance and cultural expression, with inmates taking centre stage through a variety of performances, including traditional dances, songs and poetry.
The atmosphere was lively and festive, with participants embracing this year’s theme: “Advancing Vision 2030 Through Cultural Expressions.”
For 27-year-old Mlungisi Mhlanga serving two decades for armed robbery, performing an educational play together with prison officers was an eye opener to the challenges that society faces.
The play was about a man who dragged his wife to a chief’s traditional court after he caught her red handed in bed with a neighbour.
Mhlanga played the role of a chief who was expected by his subjects to make a fair and just judgement.
“We rehearsed the play for over two months and it was fun and educational working with prison officers. Prison is no longer about punishing inmates but rehabilitating us to be better citizens when we are released,” he said.
“I was nervous at first when I realised that I would be performing in front of thousands of fellow inmates, officers and visitors. When it was my turn to play my part, everything just flowed smoothly,” said Mhlanga.
In one of the most captivating dance and song performances, a group of 20 officers and inmates took to the open stage to give the crowd a moving and captivating traditional dance infused with poetry narrating the history of the Ndebele Kingdom.
Through their performances, inmates showcased talent and creativity while demonstrating the rehabilitative role of arts and culture within correctional institutions.
The celebrations attracted a broad spectrum of stakeholders, including Government departments, local businesses, arts groups and community organisations, underscoring the importance of partnerships in supporting rehabilitation and community engagement programmes.
After the performances, delegates were invited to a number of stands exhibiting numerous displays from cooked traditional foods, hand-made crafts by inmates, exotic plant seedlings grown at Khami Prison and various wares.
One of the inmates exhibiting was Paul Kudzanai Taurai (39) who took two months to finish a portrait of President Mnangagwa.
The portrait was bought by a Government official who was impressed by the work of the inmate.
“I was sentenced for rape in 2022 and due for release in 2035. When I started my sentence here at Khami, I had a passion for art but only took it seriously when the prison authorities bought me the things that I needed to start working.
“It took me two and a half months to finish the portrait of President Mnangagwa and I’m happy that my work was displayed here today to show visitors some of the projects that we are involved in,” said Taurai.
The event served as a reminder of the role culture plays in shaping identity, fostering social cohesion and promoting positive transformation among inmates as they prepare for reintegration into society.
ZPCS continues to use cultural activities as part of its rehabilitation framework, providing inmates with opportunities to preserve cultural heritage, develop life skills and build confidence as they work towards becoming productive members of society upon release.
In a speech read of his behalf by Director of Economic Affairs and Investment Promotion, Godfrey Mkwakwami, the Minister of Matabeleland North Provincial Affairs and Devolution Richard Moyo said communities are encouraged to forgive and restore broken relations with inmates to ensure full rehabilitation.
“Today we witnessed outstanding performances by inmates, officers and local groups, which were not just performances but expressions of discipline and cultural pride.
“The well-choreographed drama presentations have powerfully depicted rehabilitation journeys, social lessons and the transformative role of correctional services, which further reflects the seriousness with which ZPCS is embracing this national initiative,” said Minister Moyo.
“To the inmates, take pride in your cultural identity. Culture teaches discipline, respect and responsibility values that must guide your transformation.”
He said rehabilitation programmes are key to the survival of inmates upon release.
“I encourage inmates to seek forgiveness and show genuine remorse to those you have offended whether within your families or the wider community as healing begins with accountability and reconciliation,” he said.
