Govt Approves Establishment of Reintegration Found...

Govt Approves Establishment of Reintegration Foundation for Ex-Inmates

Oscar J Jeke- Zim Now Reporter

Government has approved the establishment of the Pathways to Reintegration Foundation, a Private Voluntary Organisation that will spearhead the rehabilitation and reintegration of inmates and ex-inmates across Zimbabwe.

The Foundation, which will work in collaboration with the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service, is expected to implement comprehensive reintegration programmes targeting former offenders, correctional officers, and communities. It will also seek partnerships with the private sector, international organisations, and civil society to develop sustainable rehabilitation initiatives aligned with international best practices.

“The Foundation draws inspiration from successful models in countries such as Nigeria, Singapore, the United States of America, and Fiji,” said Information Minister Jenfan Muswere during a post-Cabinet briefing. “It is grounded in the values of Unhu/Ubuntu—a philosophy promoting dignity, mutual respect, and community healing.”

The Pathways to Reintegration Foundation will implement four cluster-based programmes. The first will focus on education, offering primary, secondary, and tertiary learning opportunities. The second will provide community engagement and psycho-social support, including mental health and wellness services. The third cluster will centre on skills development and job placement, with dedicated entrepreneurship support for ex-inmates. The fourth will address digital learning and enhancements to the parole system, facilitating structured e-learning and smoother parole integration.

The initiative aims to reduce stigma associated with incarceration, ensure successful reintegration into society, and enhance public safety through inclusive justice reforms. “This marks a shift towards a more holistic, compassionate approach to justice—one that not only reforms individuals but also seeks to heal societal wounds,” Muswere added.

Meanwhile, the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service is preparing to introduce a parole system this June, drawing from the experiences of regional counterparts Namibia and Zambia. The system will allow for the conditional release of inmates to serve part of their sentence within the community under supervision—a move designed to strengthen rehabilitation, reintegration, and public safety.

ZPCS Commissioner-General Moses Chihobvu, speaking during a recent parole workshop, noted that the new system aligns with the Prisons and Correctional Service Act’s mandate to promote rehabilitation and reintegration. He also acknowledged the valuable support and insights received from the Namibian and Zambian correctional services in shaping Zimbabwe’s approach.