Online Reporter
Zimpapers Politics Hub
SADC Member States have issued a strong call for increased investment in correctional infrastructure, psychosocial support, restorative justice and capacity building to enhance offender rehabilitation and reintegration across the region.
The resolution was made during the SADC Heads of Corrections, Prisons and Penitentiary Services Conference held in Salima, Malawi, from 19 to 22 May 2026.
The conference ran under the theme “Pathways to Change: Facilitating Effective Offender Rehabilitation and Reintegration in Corrections/Prisons.”
Zimbabwe, which has been modernising its correctional services under the Second Republic, is expected to play a leading role in implementing the regional resolutions, with the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services (ZPCS) already pursuing rehabilitation-focused reforms.
In a communique adopted at the end of the four-day conference, Member States emphasised the need to move beyond traditional prison systems towards modern correctional approaches anchored on rehabilitation, human dignity, public safety and successful reintegration into society.
Delegates noted that prisons should not be places of punishment but centres of transformation that prepare offenders to become productive citizens upon release.
Key issues deliberated during the conference included prison overcrowding, violent extremism, intelligence gathering, technological advancement and reducing repeat offending through evidence-based rehabilitation programmes.
The conference noted that overcrowding remains a major challenge across many correctional facilities in the region, placing immense strain on resources and hindering effective rehabilitation.
Member States resolved to share best practices in intelligence-led security operations to counter the threat of violent extremism within correctional facilities.
The conference also underscored the importance of leveraging technology to modernise prison administration, improve monitoring and facilitate skills training for inmates.
Reducing recidivism was identified as a critical priority, with the conference calling for the scaling up of proven rehabilitation programmes that address the root causes of criminal behaviour.
The conference concluded with the adoption of a raft of recommendations aimed at strengthening correctional services and enhancing regional cooperation among SADC Member States.
The resolutions are expected to be presented to the SADC Ministerial Committee responsible for justice and correctional services before being tabled at the next SADC Summit of Heads of State and Government.
