By Edward Makuzva Zimbabwe’s Vice President, Hon. Gen. (Rtd.) Dr Constantino Chiwenga, has called for a new era of modern, humane and collaborative correctional systems in Africa as he officially opened the inaugural African Parole System Conference in Harare on Monday. Addressing heads of correctional services, senior officers, policymakers, and rehabilitation experts from across the continent, Dr Chiwenga said the historic gathering marked “a transformative moment in Africa’s justice and correctional reform journey.” He delivered the keynote address on behalf of President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, under whose administration the Second Republic has placed rehabilitation and reintegration at the centre of national transformation. “This event speaks directly to the evolution of modern correctional policy and the future of restorative justice on our continent,” Dr Chiwenga explained. “It brings together African expertise to shape systems that prioritise human dignity, reduce reoffending, and build safer communities.” A Theme Aligned to Africa’s Development Agenda The conference is being held under the theme “Advancing Restorative Justice: Strengthening Parole Systems for Safer and Rehabilitated Societies – An African Perspective with Global Collaboration.” VP Chiwenga revealed that the theme resonates strongly with Zimbabwe’s reform agenda and Africa’s shared desire to build correctional systems that are data-driven, humane and globally competitive. He noted that restorative justice has become central to the continent’s development aspirations. “As we aspire to attain upper-middle-income status, we must advance systems that uphold human dignity, strengthen community safety and actively support offender reintegration,” VP Chiwenga said. Zimbabwe’s New Parole Framework: A Milestone in Justice Reform The Vice President highlighted Zimbabwe’s comprehensive overhaul of its penal laws, culminating in the Prisons and Correctional Service Act [Chapter 7:23]. For decades, the country’s parole system was restrictive, benefitting mostly inmates with terminal illnesses. The new structure introduces a transparent, evidence-based parole system administered through an independent State Parole Board. The system prioritises:supervised reintegration,rehabilitation grounded in scientific assessment,reduction of reoffending, andenhanced community safety. “Through this framework, we aim to nurture citizens who re-enter society as productive, law-abiding participants in national development,” Dr Chiwenga said. Investment in Smart Prisons and Modern InfrastructureVP Chiwenga emphasised that legislative reform alone is not enough. The government, he said, is upgrading correctional infrastructure nationwide, constructing purpose-built facilities, rehabilitating old ones, and integrating digital technologies for enhanced offender management. He described this as a strategic approach to creating correctional environments that are “secure, humane and conducive to personal transformation.” Dr Chiwenga added that improved parole and rehabilitation structures would significantly ease overcrowding in prisons, enhancing living conditions and boosting the success of reintegration programmes.“ When rehabilitation succeeds, communities become safer, families regain stability and social cohesion is strengthened—laying the foundation for accelerated economic growth,” he noted. Pathways to Reintegration Foundation Set for 2026 Launch In a major announcement, VP Chiwenga revealed that the government has approved the establishment of the Pathways to Reintegration Foundation, set to be launched in 2026. The institution will coordinate post-release support for parolees and discharged inmates, offering mentorship, skills development, psycho-social services and community partnerships. “This is a flagship initiative in our ‘leave no one and no place behind’ agenda,” he said. “It represents a strategic investment in people, rehabilitation and national stability.” Call for Continental and Global CollaborationDr Chiwenga urged African states to strengthen collaboration through platforms such as the African Correctional Services Association (ACSA) and the International Corrections and Prisons Association (ICPA). He said Africa must not walk the reform journey in isolation. “Through these collaborative platforms, we can build correctional systems that are resilient, modern and aligned with our developmental needs,” he said. He expressed confidence that Africa’s shared experiences and innovative parole systems would not only reshape the continent’s correctional landscape but also contribute to global best practice. A Vision for a Safer, More Just Africa The Vice President concluded by reaffirming Zimbabwe’s commitment to modernising its correctional architecture in line with the Second Republic’s values.“ Our journey is clear—we seek modern, humane, technologically driven correctional institutions that serve the higher goal of national development,” he said. Delegates are expected to spend the week sharing models, data and case studies to craft a continental parole strategy that advances restorative justice and strengthens community safety across Africa. Post navigation African Ambassadors Reaffirm Support for Zimbabwe’s Greening Vision Chiefs Council President Calls for Modern, Inclusive Legislation to Strengthen Traditional Leadership