Zimbabwe Prisons and Service, Tonganyika Trust equip inmates with vocational skills for reintegration

Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu [email protected]

THE Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service (ZPCS) in Matabeleland South has partnered with Tonganyika Trust to equip inmates with vocational skills aimed at easing their reintegration into society upon release.

Under the programme, 21 inmates from Gwanda Prison and Gwanda Farm Prison underwent a two-week training course covering five disciplines: welding, beauty therapy, mortuary science, horticulture and Information Technology (IT).

Speaking during a recent graduation ceremony where the inmates received their certificates, Gwanda Prison Officer-in-Charge Superintendent Simon Ndodo said practical skills training remains a key component in reducing recidivism.

He said the vocational training programme aligns with ZPCS’s broader mandate, which prioritises rehabilitation through vocational education, psychosocial support and community engagement rather than relying solely on incarceration.

Supt Ndodo said ZPCS will continue pursuing partnerships with corporate organisations and non-governmental organisations to expand vocational training opportunities across correctional facilities in the region.

“Training and equipping inmates is one of the crucial interventions under the rehabilitation process. This graduation we are holding today is tangible evidence that rehabilitation is on track.

The inmates have been equipped with skills that will assist them to fend for their families and get income upon being released.

“We anticipate successful reintegration post-release and remain committed to enhanced stakeholder engagement for sustainable rehabilitation outcomes. We urge communities to have faith in our rehabilitation process and give these inmates a chance once they have been released,” said Supt Ndodo.

He said the partnership with Tonganyika Trust will continue with the aim of empowering as many inmates as possible through skills development.

Officer-in-Charge of Gwanda Prison Farm, Chief Correctional Officer (CCO) Charles Bakili, said inmates who underwent training were already applying their newly acquired skills in daily prison operations.

He said the horticulture programme, in particular, had equipped inmates with valuable agricultural knowledge and practical farming skills.

“The knowledge which the inmates have gained is now being applied at the prison. This shows that the capacitation was not in vain and it’s yielding positive results. We want to see inmates put what they have learnt to good use not only during their stay in prison but afterwards as well,” he added.

Speaking on behalf of Tonganyika Trust, Mr Wisdom Masase reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to supporting Zimbabwe’s correctional rehabilitation programmes.

He said vocational training plays an important role in national development by creating employment opportunities and helping to reduce poverty in line with Vision 2030.

Spencer Masuku, an inmate who completed the Mortuary Science module, said the initiative had provided both psychological support and practical skills, adding that the training made him feel

“not forgotten”.

He said he had been given a second chance in life and intended to make the most of the opportunity.

Abigail Mangena, who trained in beauty therapy, said she planned to use the skills she had acquired to improve her family’s livelihood.

“I’m a mother and these skills I have acquired in beauty therapy will go a long way in assisting me to fend for my family. I plan to gain experience in the field so that I can start my own business,” she said.

Evert Moyo, who completed the horticulture course, said Gwanda Prison Farm had provided an ideal learning environment for him to deepen his knowledge of agriculture.

He said the training had further enhanced his farming skills and prepared him for life after release.

— @DubeMatutu