mbulelo smpofu
Nqobile Bhebhe, nqobile.bhebhe@chronicle.co.zw
PRESIDENT Mnangagwa yesterday implored newly graduated officers from the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service (ZPCS) to uphold constitutionalism, professionalism, and discipline in their service to the nation.
He underlined the importance of avoiding any misconduct that could damage the reputation of the ZPCS, Government, or country.
The President delivered this message during a passout parade at ZPCS Ntabazinduna Training School in Umguza District, Matabeleland North, for 1 620 recruits.
President Mnangagwa acknowledged the growing problem of drug and substance abuse, particularly among the youth, which has had a detrimental impact on the security sector.
He stressed the necessity of taking decisive action to combat this issue, as the country strives towards becoming an upper-middle-income economy by 2030.
“To the graduands, I emphasise that being a member of the security services requires unwavering loyalty, discipline, and a strong commitment to serving the nation. I further, urge you to work wholeheartedly and diligently, while upholding constitutionalism and professionalism. Your integrity must remain untarnished by selfish interests,” he said.
President Mnangagwa said drugs and substance abuse threaten national security in various ways and hinder economic development, adding that anyone caught engaging in such unethical behaviour will face the full wrath of the law.
“Any form of indiscipline that could taint the reputation of the Service, Government and nation at large will not be tolerated,” he said.
“As new ambassadors of the ZPCS, I challenge you to adhere to high ethical standards and uprightness in your duties.”
The President commended the ZPCS for its proactive measures in combating drug abuse, including awareness campaigns involving officers, inmates, and communities.
“I call upon recruits to reject such illicit activities and take bold steps towards building a brighter Zimbabwe,” he said.
In June, President Mnangagwa launched the Zimbabwe Multi-Sectoral Drug and Substance Abuse Plan (2024-2030), a comprehensive strategy to tackle the issue. The plan includes seven pillars, focusing on supply and demand reduction, harm reduction, treatment and rehabilitation, psychosocial support, and community reintegration.
The graduating cohort included 1 107 males and 512 females from courses 154 and 155.
Among them were recruits from the San community in Tsholotsho District, marking continued progress in integrating marginalised groups into national security services.
This follows the historic graduation of 20 San youths in June 2022, the first from their community to join the ZPCS. Before the Second Republic’s interventions, the San people faced significant challenges, including failure to access identity documents, limited access to education and exclusion from formal employment opportunities.
President Mnangagwa urged the graduates to remain committed to lifelong learning and adapt to evolving trends in correctional management.
“To the graduands, as you step into the service of our great motherland, Zimbabwe, carry with you the lessons and memories from your training. Do not just dream of the future, but become the architects of the future you want,” he said.
“Approach your work with the courage and optimism to make a positive impact wherever you will be deployed. Remember, learning is a lifelong journey and your thirst for knowledge must never stop. Stay abreast of evolving trends in correctional management and continually sharpen your knowledge and skills.”
Yesterday’s pass-out parade was attended by several senior Government officials, service chiefs and relatives of the graduates.
