By Chantelle Muzanenhamo
THE Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service (ZPCS) in Beitbridge on Wednesday joined other correctional institutions across Matabeleland South in commemorating Culture Day.
The event brought together correctional officers, inmates, traditional leaders, and community members in celebrating Zimbabwe’s rich cultural heritage.
Speaking to Ziyah News Network, Officer-in-Charge of Beitbridge Prison, Superintendent Onai Chimujakazi, said Culture Day plays a significant role in the rehabilitation and reintegration of inmates into society.
“Culture Day celebrates rehabilitation, discipline, and the restoration of dignity through traditional values, arts, and skills training. When inmates reconnect with culture and purpose, reintegration into society becomes real, not just theoretical,” said Superintendent Chimujakazi.
He said that some inmates find themselves in prison after committing offences that go against the principles of Ubuntu, making cultural education an important component of the rehabilitation process.
“As the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service, we view Culture Day as a vital tool for rehabilitation, discipline, and national unity. Celebrating our cultural heritage helps restore dignity, fosters a sense of belonging, and teaches positive traditional values to both correctional officers and inmates,” he said.
Superintendent Chimujakazi said ZPCS uses cultural activities such as traditional music, dance, drama, and food exhibitions to help inmates reconnect with their roots and rediscover their purpose in life.
“We believe that reconnecting with culture makes the transition back into society much more successful,” he said.
Headman Ketumule Nare Mahopolo, who represented Chief Tshitaudze at the event, commended ZPCS for actively preserving cultural heritage while supporting the rehabilitation of inmates.
She said integrating cultural awareness into prison life allows people from different backgrounds to learn from one another and strengthens national identity and pride.
“The Culture Day celebrations are important because they help preserve our traditions and values while giving inmates an opportunity to appreciate and learn from Zimbabwe’s diverse cultures,” she said.
One of the inmates, Edmore Muleya, expressed gratitude to ZPCS for organising the event, saying it had reminded many inmates of the importance of their cultural roots.
“Sometimes we violate our cultural values without fully understanding them. The fact that the prison brings traditional leaders such as chiefs to educate us means a lot. It helps us understand where we come from and how we can become better members of society,” said Muleya.
The celebrations featured traditional dances performed by inmates, drama presentations, cultural exhibitions, and traditional food displays.
Attendees were also given an insight into the history and heritage of the Chief Tshitaudze clan, providing valuable lessons on cultural identity and community values.
The event highlighted the role of culture in fostering rehabilitation, discipline, and social reintegration, reinforcing ZPCS’s commitment to transforming inmates into responsible citizens through cultural and educational programmes.