dyton mupawaenda
Thandeka Moyo-Ndlovu–Bulawayo Bureau
PRISON is not just a place of punishment but also a place to rehabilitate and prepare inmates for life after prison.
The Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service (ZPCS)’s rehabilitation programmes have transformed many lives as some former inmates are now successful entrepreneurs, actors, carpenters, miners, motor mechanics and salon operators.
One of them is Tawanda Mpofu, who was convicted for unlawful entry and theft in 2006.
He spent 10 years and four months in prison, where he received training in arts and carpentry.
He said the training helped him change his attitude and regain his self-esteem.
“I got training while in prison and that helped me change for the better as I left an empowered person compared to what I was when I was jailed. I have been involved in many television productions through arts and that helped me gain self-esteem which I lost after conviction,” he said.
Mpofu also said he faced stigma from the community but he did not let that stop him from pursuing his passion.
He now runs a thriving carpentry business making coffins, cupboards, wardrobes and anything that involves wood. He employs a number of people.
“People are not comfortable employing ex-convicts hence it’s very important for us to use the second chances we got from our corrections officers who are training us in many aspects. Unlike the olden days where we spent most of our time worrying about family and our offences, these days we divert our energy into tangible projects. I urge my fellow inmates to have a teachable spirit and reform once they go through programmes offered by the ZPCS.”
Mpofu was one of the exhibitors at the opening of the rehabilitation expo at Bulawayo Prisons yesterday. The expo showcased the skills and products of inmates and correctional officers, such as wood carving and joinery, agro-production, tailoring, beauty therapy, detergents and livestock rearing.
Bulawayo Prisons also operates a car wash and a salon, which are open to the public during the day.
Muzobanzi Moyo (23), who was convicted for assault, said he learned how to plait hair, do massages, facials, manicure and pedicure at the salon. He said working at the salon helped him deal with his hot temper and prepare for his release in June next year.
“I know people think it’s a woman’s job to plait hair, do massages, facials and manicure but surprisingly I fell in love with that when I was convicted for assault. I am not gay as some would want to assume but a reformed inmate ready to take the world by storm. My sentence ends in June next year and I can’t wait to show case my skills as I know I will always have money since women are ever sacrificing the last cent to look good,’ he said.
He also invited residents to visit the salon at Bulawayo Prisons, saying they are gentle and ready to make them look fabulous.
Another former inmate who shared his success story was Surprise Ndlovu, who was convicted for a number of crimes, including armed robbery. He said he was inspired by a correctional officer who convinced him that he could have a fresh start in life. He now owns a mining business in Gwanda and has a family.
“Prison is actually a demon exorcising platform. We went there rough, crooked, angry and violent only to come out reformed. I was convicted for a number of crimes with a 23-year sentence but I managed to appeal and served part of that. I however appreciate how the correctional officers helped me become a better person, I now have a family and a business in Gwanda,” he said.
Proceeds gained from the projects go towards production and complementing the diet for inmates.
In his speech, the ZPCS Deputy Commissioner General Shepherd Mpofu, who is responsible for production and business management, said the effectiveness of the rehabilitation approach calls for the involvement of key players including family members, community and traditional leaders, faith based organisations and bonafide Non-Governmental organisations.
“To break the reoffending cycle by the ZPCS management has challenged provinces to shun the dependency syndrome and come up with initiatives that are rehabilitation and production-oriented. This exhibition was therefore organised in support of the Government and its vision of leaving no one behind,” he said.
“Indeed an idle mind is the devil’s workshop with the skills imparted to inmates it is the organisation’s commitment to ensure that ex-offenders are not only employable upon release but are potential employers if adequately supported.”
He was impressed by testimonies from offenders whose stories prove that reoffending can be addressed through skills training and family societal support.
Deputy Commissioner Mpofu also took time to interact with former inmates and encouraged them to continue raising the ZPCS flag by being influential business people.
The acting officer commanding Bulawayo Prisons Assistant Commissioner Priscilla Mtembo said the ZPCS had even partnered with its former inmates who are now training others in different prisons around the province.
“We believe these projects are going to help us nurture trailblazing business people from our inmates who deserve a second chance from all of us. We had one inmate who was skilled in sculpting he trained other inmates and already we are engaging him to continue in production and training even after he completed his sentence.
“Our latest baby here at Bulawayo Prisons is the sale of seedlings which is a growing business and we appeal to residents and organisations to support us make this dream come true. Our services are for the residents and we are ready to offer them value for money since our inmates are well trained and ready to serve everyone in need of these vast projects,” she said.
Asst Comm Mtembo said these services were available across all prisons including Mlondolozi.
“The exhibition was here at Bulawayo prison and these services are available across all prisons hence we encourage residents to support us. We know that as long as women live salons will always be a thriving business hence we are confident that even after prison our inmates will be able to finance good livelihoods.”
Online Reporter