Online Reporter
Tendai Gukutikwa
Mutare Bureau
PRESIDENT Mnangagwa’s vision of leaving no one and no place behind extends even to correctional facilities, with inmates benefiting from rehabilitation programmes designed to transform their lives, Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution Advocate Misheck Mugadza, has said.
Speaking at the official closing of the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service (ZPCS) Family Week at Mutare Farm Prison on Sunday, Adv Mugadza said the Government continues to prioritise the welfare and rehabilitation of inmates as part of a broader national development agenda.
“We applaud President Mnangagwa for his commitment to uplifting people’s lives. His mantra of leaving no one and no place behind applies even within our prisons. Inmates are not forgotten members of society; they are part of our national fabric,” he said.
The Family Week, which ran from April 6 to 12, saw families visiting their incarcerated loved ones across prisons in Manicaland and beyond, creating a rare opportunity for extended interaction in a more relaxed environment.
Adv Mugadza said under the Second Republic, several progressive programmes have been introduced within the prison system to promote rehabilitation and reintegration.
“A number of initiatives have been rolled out, including this Family Week programme and the provision for inmates to attend funerals of their relatives. These are important steps in ensuring that inmates remain connected to their families and communities,” he said.
He said skills development had become a cornerstone of the correctional system, equipping inmates with practical abilities to rebuild their lives upon release.
“We now have various skills training programmes within our prisons. Some inmates are already generating income through projects they are undertaking while still in custody. This lays a solid foundation for a better future when they reintegrate into society,” said Minister Mugadza.
He stressed that incarceration should not be viewed as the end of one’s life, but rather as an opportunity for transformation.
“It must be understood that being in prison is not the end of life. For many, it is the beginning of a new chapter. People are being rehabilitated here, and we are encouraged by the progress being made,” he said.
Activities during the family week were designed to foster bonding and improve the mental well-being of inmates.
These included horse riding, live band performances, soccer matches and access to fresh food and supplies brought in by family members.
Officer Commanding Manicaland Province for ZPCS, Commissioner Spetosomusa Chinobva, expressed satisfaction with the turnout and the impact of the programme.
“We are pleased that families came in their numbers to visit their loved ones. It is very important for inmates to receive visitors, as it boosts their morale and emotional well-being,” she said.
Commissioner Chinobva credited the initiative to the leadership of the Commissioner General of ZPCS.
“This programme was made possible by Commissioner General Chihobvu, who saw the importance of creating a dedicated week for families to spend time with inmates. It strengthens family ties and supports the rehabilitation process,” she said.
She said the family week has increasingly become a cornerstone of inmate welfare programmes, reinforcing the message that even behind bars, dignity, hope and a second chance remain within reach.
Family members who attended the week-long programme could not hide their joy, describing the experience as both emotional and uplifting.
Mrs Tashupika Kamusa, who travelled from Nyazura to visit her 41-year-old son, Mr Farai Maranji, said the extended visiting period made a significant difference.
“People should understand the importance of visiting their loved ones in prison. It gives them peace of mind and reminds them that they are not alone,” she said.
Mr Maranji, who is serving a two-year sentence and is expected to be released in 2028, has been receiving regular visits from his mother, but the Family Week offered a more meaningful connection.
“I usually come once a week, but having an entire week together was something special. I am very happy, and I believe that when he leaves this place, he will come out a better man,” said Mrs Kamusa.
Another visitor, Mrs Tatenda Chitongo, said the initiative had helped restore hope within families affected by incarceration.
“This programme has brought us closer as a family. Being able to spend quality time together, even in this environment, reminds us that our loved ones are still part of us,” she said.
Her husband, Mr Edward Chitongo, echoed similar sentiments, describing the experience as both emotional and reassuring.
“It is not easy having a relative in prison, but programmes like this make a big difference. You can see the change in them. They are learning, they are improving, and it gives us confidence that they will reintegrate well into society,” he said.
He added that the atmosphere during the week reflected a sense of unity and renewed hope.
“There was laughter, there was joy, and for a moment, it felt like we were just one big family. This is something that should continue because it builds stronger families and communities,” said Mr Chitongo.
