Online Reporter
Arron Nyamayaro
Herald Reporter
A SADC delegation toured Mazowe Prison Farm in Mashonaland Central Province on Wednesday, where it commended the Government for its significant advancements in road construction and agricultural production.
The visit was part of an Officer-in-Charge peer-to-peer workshop being held in Harare.
The Sadc team included representatives from Angola, Eswatini, Namibia, South Africa and Zambia.
As they made their way to the prison, the delegation took a detour along Mazowe Road, which is undergoing dualisation. This road improvement reflects a broader commitment to infrastructure development in the region.
Mazowe Prison Farm covers an area of 890 hectares and serves as a vital agricultural hub. The facility is involved in a variety of economic ventures that contribute to its self-sufficiency and the rehabilitation of inmates.
Key agricultural activities at the prison include wheat production, a piggery and goat farming, maize and vegetable cultivation and cattle rearing.
In addition, the prison is engaged in construction aimed at developing houses for officers and their families.
During the visit, Acting Area Commissioner of South Africa’s Department of Correctional Services Vuyelwa Mxoli, praised President Mnangagwa for transformative initiatives such as the Pfumvudza Scheme, which prioritises food security.
She reiterated the importance of agricultural advancements, stating: “You cannot travel, work or engage meaningfully when you are hungry.”
Her remarks underscored the vital role that food security plays in enabling economic and social activities.
Comm Mxoli also expressed her appreciation for the warm hospitality she received during her stay, highlighting the quality of food and attentive service. On the way to Mazowe Prison Farm, she noted the significant improvements in both road construction and agricultural practices, which are aimed at sustaining both offenders and the surrounding communities.
“The farm is well-managed, demonstrating that we can succeed independently. We have the skills and potential to thrive if we work hard and remain committed,” said Comm Mxoli.
Senior Superintendent and Deputy Officer in Charge from the Kingdom of Eswatini, Nothando Nhlengethwa, praised Zimbabwe’s abundant land resources and the potential to leverage inexpensive labour within its prison system.
“Their efforts in rehabilitating and reintegrating offenders are commendable, with farm produce that meets international standards,” she said.
Her comments reflect a growing recognition of the role that agricultural programmes can play in offender rehabilitation.
Superintendent Tarisai Matombo of the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service, shared insights into the institution’s collaboration with Pamberi, a private company that helps manage its agricultural projects effectively.
Chief operations officer of Pamberi, Mr Isaac Sibiya, noted that their partnerships have led to successful agricultural yields.
He expressed appreciation for the SADC team’s visit. “Their insights have opened our eyes to new projects and taught us how to turn challenges into opportunities,” he said.
The SADC Prison Workshop is set to conclude on Sunday.
The team plans to visit several other institutions, including Marondera Female Open Prison, the first of its kind in the region and Chikurubi Maximum Security Prison.
At the time of the visit, Mazowe Farm Prison housed 258 inmates.
The visit highlights the collaborative efforts within the SADC region to enhance correctional practices and agricultural development, demonstrating a commitment to rehabilitation and sustainable practices.
