BY MUNYARADZI BLESSING DOMA
The Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service (ZPCS) has replicated the hut at Marondera Open Prison, by bringing a similar model to the Zimbabwe Agricultural Show, in a bid to showcase the institution’s thrust of restoring dignity to female inmates.
The model hut, which is drawing admiration from showgoers, is a brainchild of the First Lady, Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa, who spearheaded its construction at Marondera Open Prison.
Speaking on the sidelines of the ongoing show, ZPCS spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Meya Khanyezi said they were grateful to the First Lady for having the hut constructed at the prison, as this was meant to preserve the dignity of female inmates.
“We brought this replica so that people can appreciate that even if a woman is incarcerated, she should not lose her dignity because the hut was constructed for us by the First Lady for that purpose.
“Female inmates should not be fed as if they are at some boarding school, no, they are supposed to cook for themselves, meals of their choices which is the case at Marondera Open Prison,” said Assistant Commissioner Khanyezi.
ZPCS Spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Meya Khanyezi (left) is shown some of the foods cooked in the hut
She reiterated that ZPCS was restoring women’s dignity, including that of children who may also be with their mothers.
“Remember we also need to ensure that the children’s dignity is also not compromised because they (children) are just in contact with the law, they didn’t commit any crime. So they will join their mothers and enjoy meals of their choice.
“And children of those inmates are also here at the show, so that they also get to experience and enjoy and they also get to learn.”
One female inmate, Thandiwe Dube, spoke highly of the First Lady’s hut initiative, which she said had given them a sense of purpose at Marondera Open Prison.
“This concept is also meant to remind us that we should never forget our culture, we should always remember our roots, where we are coming from.
“The First Lady also taught us that we should not shun our traditional foods as they provide better nourishment.
“So I’m happy to say that after she (First Lady) led the initiative, we continued with it and we are seeing the benefits,” said Dube.
She added that while at the Open Prison, she also had the chance to enrol at the Zimbabwe Open University (ZOU), where she did a Diploma in Primary Education and is now teaching.
“I want to thank the First Lady because she sponsored my course and I want to also thank ZPCS officials for giving us such opportunities.
“This is preparing us for life when we finally leave prison, so I’m happy that I’m empowered because I have somewhere to start from.
“So we are really grateful for this Nhanga concept which is really making us retrace to all our yesteryear concepts, so this is really commendable,” added Dube.
