President Emmerson Mnangagwa has commended the 1,620 new recruit Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service (ZPCS) correctional officers for successfully completing their six-month training, emphasizing discipline, innovation, and commitment to Vision 2030.
The officers, drawn from Courses 154 and 155, were officially commissioned during the pass-out parade held at Ntabazinduna Training School on 16 December 2024.
President Mnangagwa praised the recruits’ dedication and transformation from civilian orientation to Correctional Officers. Of the 1,620 officers graduating, 1,107 are male while 513 are female, reflecting a commendable gender balance. The President stated that this marks the beginning of their journey as dedicated members of the uniformed forces and commended their demonstration of patriotism, teamwork, and professionalism throughout their training.
The President highlighted the importance of the digital revolution and smart technologies in modernizing the correctional system. He called on the recruits to adopt innovative technologies and the smart prison concept to enhance security, rehabilitation efforts, and data analysis. He emphasized that ethical use of digital tools would lead to better intervention strategies and improved decision-making while addressing the behavioral patterns of inmates.
To strengthen this vision, the government is constructing a Community Information Centre at Ntabazinduna. This initiative, part of the government’s digital transformation agenda, aims to foster innovation, economic growth, and inclusivity, while also serving the Ntabazinduna community.
The President commended the ZPCS for its strides in economic empowerment through innovative projects that minimize reliance on fiscal support. He also celebrated the recent international recognition of ZPCS at the International Corrections and Prisons Association (ICPA) Annual Conference in Singapore, where they were awarded the prestigious Head of Service Award. He encouraged the recruits to live up to the national development philosophy that “Nyika inovakwa, inotongwa, inonamatirwa nevene vayo” (the nation is built, governed, and prayed for by its people).
President Mnangagwa placed a strong emphasis on discipline and integrity as vital traits for new recruits. He warned against corruption and drug abuse, asserting that these two vices continue to threaten national security and economic growth. He commended the ZPCS for its proactive measures to combat these challenges through awareness campaigns targeting officers, inmates, and surrounding communities.
“We must combat these vices. Drug abuse is a threat to our national security and our economy. There will be zero tolerance for any form of unethical behavior,” the President reiterated, emphasizing the need for strict adherence to ethical standards.
In his closing remarks, President Mnangagwa urged the new correctional officers to be lifelong learners and to continually adapt to modern trends in correctional management. He called on them to approach their duties with courage, discipline, and optimism, while maintaining professionalism and integrity throughout their careers.
“To the new officers, do not only dream of the future, be the architects of the future you want. Approach your duties with courage, discipline, and optimism,” he said.
President Mnangagwa concluded by congratulating the 154th and 155th Recruit Correctional Officers for this significant milestone and expressed confidence in their ability to make meaningful contributions to Zimbabwe’s security and development journey.
This call to action comes as the ZPCS continues its mission to modernize the correctional system, strengthen rehabilitation efforts, and align its objectives with the government’s Vision 2030 aspirations.
