Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Minister, Ziyambi Ziyambi, says Zimbabwe’s prisons must align with international standards by fostering rehabilitation rather than punishment, stressing that Government-led modernisation efforts are well underway despite resource constraints.
In a recent interview, the minister highlighted ongoing reforms, long-term plans, and new partnerships aimed at transforming the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services (ZPCS).
“We are on course with the modernisation of prisons. We acknowledge that we may not receive 100 percent support from the Government, and we are looking at ways to partner with others to move towards our goals. We have plans in place, but we are currently exploring the best ways to ensure we realise our objectives,” he said.
A key development in the reform agenda is a proposal to establish a dedicated non-governmental organisation, the Pathways to Reintegration Foundation (PAREF).
“We went to Cabinet and requested approval to form our own NGO, which is driven by the realisation that we need additional resources and expertise that may not be fully provided by the Government,” Minister Ziyambi said.
PAREF is expected to mobilise expertise and funding from diverse sectors to strengthen reintegration programmes that help inmates transition smoothly back into society after completing their sentences.
“We want to ensure that our inmates are fully integrated into society upon leaving our correctional service,” the minister said, stressing the importance of financial and infrastructural support to the reform agenda.
Alongside PAREF, the Government is also moving to establish a ZPCS staff college, an institution designed to train and professionalise correctional officers.
“They decided to start even without physical infrastructure, and we are saying that is very noble. As a Government, we will step in to ensure that we progressively put structures in place and build a state-of-the-art staff college,” he said.
The minister also unveiled Zimbabwe’s ambition to introduce smart prisons, a concept that extends beyond physical infrastructure.
“The concept encompasses the use of advanced technologies to improve prisoner welfare and enhance justice delivery,” he explained.
This innovative approach aims to create humane, efficient and modern correctional environments powered by technology.
Zimbabwe’s reform efforts come at a time when global human rights organisations continue to call for improved prison conditions across Africa. Countries such as Uruguay and Rwanda have successfully implemented similar modernisation frameworks, offering models that Zimbabwe seeks to adapt and expand upon.
The transformation of Zimbabwe’s prison system reflects a broader national commitment to human rights, rehabilitation, and long-term social reintegration. Through partnerships, innovative funding models, staff development, and technological advancement, the Government aims to build a correctional system centred on dignity, recovery and community safety.
With these reforms, Zimbabwe hopes to set a benchmark for correctional transformation on the continent, creating safer, more humane and rehabilitative facilities for all.
