Precious Manomano
Online Reporter
THE Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service (ZPCS) is seeking stronger partnerships with businesses, community organisations and other stakeholders to equip inmates with skills and opportunities for successful reintegration into society, as the institution steps up efforts to improve rehabilitation outcomes.
The ZPCS says support from outside correctional facilities is critical in helping inmates acquire education, develop practical skills and prepare for productive lives after release, reducing the risk of them returning to crime.
Speaking during a stakeholder consultative meeting in Harare last week, Officer Commanding Harare Metropolitan Province Commissioner Ernest Pambayi said effective rehabilitation required collective effort and could not be achieved by the correctional service working alone.
“Sustainable results cannot be achieved by the service alone. They require teamwork, effective communication, shared responsibility and strong partnerships,” he said.
Commissioner Pambayi said stakeholders had an important role in supporting rehabilitation and reintegration programmes through their expertise, resources and networks.
He urged them to become ambassadors of the service’s rehabilitation and reintegration initiatives, adding that their participation could help prepare inmates for responsible and productive lives in their communities.
Commissioner Pambayi, who said he had served in Harare at various stations for a considerable period, said his leadership would be guided by accountability, transparency and respect.
He said the consultative meeting provided an opportunity for stakeholders to share their expectations, raise concerns and propose practical ways of improving the institution’s operations.
Commissioner Pambayi also pledged to keep stakeholders informed about the service’s programmes and activities to encourage greater participation and coordinated support.
Earlier, Chief Superintendent Officer for Human Capital Management in Harare Metropolitan Province, Mr Paddington Zvongouya, said the engagement was important in strengthening cooperation between the correctional service and its partners.
He said effective correctional services could not be delivered by the ZPCS alone, making stakeholder participation essential to improving service delivery and rehabilitation.
Mr Zvongouya said stakeholders could make a meaningful contribution by using their expertise, resources and networks to support inmates’ education and skills development.
He encouraged participants to engage in open dialogue and share recommendations on how the institution could improve its operations and rehabilitation programmes.
Mr Zvongouya said the service remained committed to professionalism, transparency and constructive engagement with communities and other partners.
He said the collective goal was to build correctional institutions characterised by effective administration, safe and secure facilities, meaningful rehabilitation, successful reintegration and strong stakeholder partnerships.
The consultative meeting provided a platform for strengthening collaboration between the ZPCS and stakeholders in support of rehabilitation programmes and safer communities.
