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Senior Reporter
THE Zanu-PF victory in the just ended harmonised elections guarantees improved socio-economic and political development and demonstrates that Africans can manage their own affairs without external influence, visiting Namibian Correctional Services Commissioner-General Evaristus Shikongo said yesterday.
Comm-Gen Shikongo, who was the reviewing officer during the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services’ 145th pass-out parade at Ntabazinduna Training Depot, said Zimbabwean elections were conducted in a transparent and credible manner.
“Today’s event becomes even more exciting following Zimbabwe’s successful holding of its free, fair, peaceful and credible elections on 31 July 2013, which were subsequently buttressed by the inauguration ceremony of Zanu-PF Presidential elect Cde RG Mugabe on 22 August,” said Comm-Gen Shikongo.
“It then leaves me on behalf of our country, the Namibian Correctional Services and indeed on my own behalf to extend our unreserved congratulations to the people of Zimbabwe for the successful elections whose results certainly guarantee improved socio- economic and political development inline with the people’s aspirations.
“The resounding election victory further demonstrated that as Africans, we have now come of age and are capable of running our own affairs thereby putting to shame the misconception that we are unable to peacefully deal with and resolve our socio-economic and political challenges without intervention from the West or our erstwhile colonisers.”
Comm-Gen Shikongo’s remarks come at a time when MDC-T and its Western funders are attempting to discredit the election outcome, which Sadc and the African Union have unreservedly endorsed.
Comm-Gen Shikongo commended the Zimbabwean Government for investing in the development of human capital, saying such an approach was ideal for improved service delivery and development.
“The world over organisations’ successes or failures remains dependent on the human resource, which is a critical asset.
“Training and development of employees help organisations to meet competitive challenges and environmental changes.
“Training thus becomes a key element for improved service,” he said.
Turning to prison services Comm-Gen Shikongo said prisons have shifted from being retributive centres to rehabilitative and developmental institutions.
He said the approach was meant to ensure that prisoners incarcerated for wrong doing were empowered through different rehabilitation programmes.
Comm-Gen Shikongo said there was need to promote gender equality in recruitment in line with the regional gender protocols to which, Zimbabwe is a signatory.
He challenged Zimbabweans to know their history and cherish it saying such knowledge was crucial for preserving national identity.
Comm-Gen Shikongo urged the graduating officers to remain loyal and to show highest levels of professionalism in the discharge of their duties.
“As you strive to carry out this noble cause, may I remind you that this career is not just a stroll in the park as the high expectations of society place you in an inevitable position of public scrutiny.
“I therefore urge you to desist from dishonest activities, be disciplined, show high level of integrity, consistency, persistence and most importantly be ruthless with yourselves in pursuit of excellence as you carry out your duties,” said Comm-Gen Shikongo.
The 647 officers started their six months training course in March this year and 218 of them are women.
The training covered courses such as historical overview of the penal system, basic statutes of the service, conditions of service, prison administration, security management, public relations, health education, drill and weapon handling.
Online Reporter