Online Reporter
Arron Nyamayaro
Inmates have vowed to compete with established furniture and metal industries as Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service (ZPCS) launches Correctional Industries Workshops (CIM) across the country.
The programme has seen inmates repairing vehicles, producing upholstery products, and welding door and window frames. They are also manufacturing office and kitchen chairs and other items for sale.
ZPCS national spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner Meya Khanyezi, said the opening of the workshops reflects the rehabilitation programmes designed to empower inmates during and after their sentences.
“Our rehabilitation officers across the country are fighting crime and recidivism through skills training meant to assist inmates during and after serving their sentences,” said Ass-Comm Khanyezi.
“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-up time into work time, CIM is now giving inmates a chance to compete with those outside high walls.”
Khanyezi added that ZPCS is working to ensure that every released inmate becomes an employer, not an employee.
“ZPCS is gearing up every day to make sure every released inmate will be an employer, not an employee,” she said.
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 also said the workshop has a heavy-duty mitering 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, secured, and offer value for money so that they can compete with the best manufacturers worldwide.”
Tshuma said the workshop’s motive is to ensure inmates learn quality production skills that will help them earn a living upon release.
“If people support this, it will go a long way in alleviating the livelihood of families of inmates,” said Supt Tshuma.
Prinkler Mpinga, head of the upholstery section, said some inmates have been seeking to join her section, especially those nearing completion of their sentences.
“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,” said Mpinga.
“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 said the goal is to empower inmates and help them feel relevant in society.
“We want every inmate to be empowered, feel the spirit of an employer, and be relevant in every society—not a criminal,” she said.
One inmate operating the heavy-duty upholstery machine, Tawanda Motsi (53), of Buhera, commended CIM for allowing him to make car seat covers and repair machines.
“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 Glenview Complex,” he said.
Motsi added that he previously worked as a fishmonger and does not want to continue illegal activities.
“If I can be assisted with machinery, I will start better upon release. I used to move around places as a fishmonger and I do not want to continue doing illegal activities,” he said.
Tatenda Pasipamire (40), convicted in 2022 and left with one year to be released, said the skills he has acquired are enough for him to start a business after serving his sentence.
“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,” said Pasipamire.
He said he is interested in making car seat covers, car trimming, and also producing coffee tables and beds.
