Blessing Nduku
In a move set to harmonize rehabilitation and community engagement, the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service (ZPCS) launched its groundbreaking band in the Midlands Province during the Prisons Day commemorations last week at Mkoba Stadium in Gweru.
Speaking at the event, the Minister of Provincial Affairs and Devolution Honourable Owen ‘Mudha’ Ncube applauded the corporate world and individuals for fundraising so as to buy the musical instruments for the band.
“As I conclude Ladies and gentlemen, I applaud the corporate world and individuals for supporting the fundraising initiative by ZPCS towards the procurement of musical instruments.”
“Accordingly, I am excited to share with you that equipment worth USD 12,630 includes drums, trumpets, saxophones, guitars, speakers, amplifiers, keyboards and microphones with stands.All this provides diverse quality and reliable entertainment for the Midlands Community and beyond.”
In an interview with this reporter ZPCS Provincial Public Relations Officer Nevson Tagarira said that the Officer Commanding Midlands Province saw it fit to establish this band.
“The Officer Commanding Midlands Province Commissioner Somemore Gate saw it fit to establish the band and after the authority was granted by the national headquarters the officers with a passion for music from training school and various stations were identified and grouped to form the Midlands Province dance and military band.”
“Commissioner Gate spearheaded various programs which were meant to acquire instruments which involved donations from officers, golf tournament fundraising to mention only a few. The inspiration came from one of the facets of our mandate which is rehabilitation of offenders for their successful integration back into society.”
The newly unveiled ZPCS band is named ZPCS Midlands Province Band and it consists of more than thirty Officers and will be playing all genres.
This year’s Prison Day was running under the theme ‘Rehabilitation a collective responsibility,’ which means that there is a need for society to join ZPCS in their endeavor to ensure that those who wronged society before they are represented with a chance to be taken back to society.
