Namibia hails ZPS training programmes

Senior Reporter
THE Zimbabwe Prison Services has been commended for implementing a training programme that promotes discipline and patriotism among recruits and officers to preserve the history of the country’s liberation struggle. Visiting Namibian Commissioner of Prisons Mr Evaristus Shikongo said ZPS was using civic education as part of their training curriculum to teach the history of Zimbabwe.
He was addressing journalists after a tour of the National Heroes Acre yesterday.

“The recruits and officers are taught how the (Zanu-PF) leaders waged the liberation struggle successfully. This is an important lesson to learn,” said Mr Shikongo.

“Our programmes lack that because civic education according to the information, I received yesterday is a form of instilling patriotism among the recruits and among the officers.

“When you deal with young generation you always have a problem of instilling discipline and patriotism.
“You should have concrete programme on the history of a country and Zimbabwe is just doing well on this.”
Mr Shikongo noted that Zimbabwe was also implementing another commendable programme of integrating prisoners in the society they come from after completing serving their jail terms.

“The Commissioner General (Paradzai Zimondi) was just telling me that they have introduced a programme of integration of prisoners when they are due for release where they involve communities,” said Mr Shikongo..

“It seems to me very practical and we are also looking at using that kind of approach.
“These are practical things we are learning and would want to use when we go back to Namibia.”

Mr Shikongo also said the Sadc was committed to best practices and standards set for running of prisons.
He said the regional bloc was working closely to integrate and harmonise prison services.

“We have been involved in developing policies as a region to make sure what we are doing meet the requirements of Sadc,” he said adding that a lot of progress has been made .

Mr Shikongo was accompanied by ZPS deputy commissioner Rhodes Moyo during the national shrine tour.
He was shown the graves of liberation heroes including the two late Vice Presidents Joshua Nkomo and Simon Muzenda as well as that of General Solomon Mujuru who died on August 15, 2011.

A tour guide at the national Heroes Acre Mrs Estery Kajau who led the delegation also explained to Mr Shikongo and his delegate the significance of the shrine, where 102 heroes are buried.

Mr Shikongo is expected to be the guest of honour at a pass out parade at Ntabazinduna in Bulawayo today.