Online Reporter
Arron Nyamayaro
INMATES at the country’s prisons have vowed that they will soon be competing with established companies in the furniture industry, including those based at the Glen View Complex.
This follows the launch of bold initiatives by the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service Correctional Industries to empower the inmates.
The programmes are seeing inmates being taught how to repair vehicles, produce upholstery products and even weld doors and window frames.
They are also being taught about how to manufacture and repair office and kitchen chairs.
ZPCS national spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner Meya Khanyezi, said:
“Our rehabilitation officers across the country are fighting crime and recidivism through skills training meant to assist inmates during and after serving their sentences.
“Of interest is that inmates are being trained to make quality products that satisfy clients.
“We urge companies, churches, schools and individuals to help fight crime by buying items manufactured by inmates.
“It’s now rehabilitation with a purpose. Turning lock-in time into work time, CIM is now giving inmates a chance to compete with those outside high walls.”
Khanyezi added:
“ZPCS is making sure every released inmate will be an employer, not an employee.”
At Harare Central Prison, the officer in charge of the workshop, Superintendent Jabulani Tshuma, said the prison has acquired three heavy-duty upholstery machines, two 100-litre compressors, and welding machines for TIG and MIG welding.
He said the workshop has a heavy-duty saw, among other machines, bringing the total number of inmates under the programme to 175.
“We are gearing up rehabilitation through commercialisation by offering competitive prices for a noble cause – supporting inmates as they acquire skills,” said Supt Tshuma.
“We want them to compete with Glenview Complex traders. Our products are reliable, secure and offer value for money so that they can compete with the best manufacturers worldwide.”
Tshuma added:
“If people support this, it will go a long way in alleviating the livelihood of families of inmates.”
Prinkler Mpinga, head of the upholstery section, said:
“Within a few days of starting, our products are leading in warehouses because of the number of inmates who have shown interest in the skill.
“More inmates are seeking to be included in this business.
“If people out there support them, we will definitely fight recidivism – no released inmates should feel they need to return to prison for free food.”
Mpinga added:
“We want every inmate to be empowered, feel the spirit of an employer, and be relevant in every society.”
Tawanda Motsi (53), of Buhera, who was operating the heavy duty upholstery machine, said:
“I am serving 18 years for rape since 2019 and I wish to do the same business upon release.
“I want to thank Correctional Service for this opportunity to venture into a demanding business that has made history at the Glen View Complex.”
Motsi added:
“If I can be assisted with machinery, I will do better upon my release. I used to move around places as a fishmonger and I do not want to continue doing illegal activities.”
Tatenda Pasipamire (40), who has a year left before his release, said:
“I am looking forward to doing the same business upon completing my jail sentence. I have been to various prisons across the country and learnt various skills.
“I am interested in making car seat covers, car trimming, making coffee tables and beds. We need capital to start these businesses.”
