Zimpapers Logo

Patience Mutsiwi in Gweru
THE Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services (ZPCS) Midlands region is set to host a mega sports event on Saturday aimed at creating space to review the Zim-Asset agenda on value addition and beneficiation through sports.

ZPCS Midlands sports director Senior Prison Officer Tasunungurwa Chikwanda said Saturday’s sporting event would be used to identify talent ahead of the Commissioner General’s Sports Gala scheduled for August in Ntabazinduna.

The ZPCS Commissioner General’s Sports Gala is an annual sports extravaganza in which prison officers battle for honours.

Chikwanda said the prison service uses sports games to foster teamwork through social interactions.

“We aim to foster teamwork in the workplace through social interaction dynamics and bring unity of purpose through sport. The gala will be full of activity as prison officers showcase their talents in soccer, netball, volleyball, darts, chess and tug of war. The major attraction will be the 100M race for officers above 100kgs,” said Chikwanda.

Participants will be drawn from prisons in Gokwe, Connemara, Kwekwe, Shurugwi, Zvishavane, Mberengwa, Whawha Workshop, Whawha Young Offenders, Whawha Medium Prison and Thornhill Satellite Prison.

Chikwanda said they had partnered with the private sector that will result in one lucky Midlands resident winning a residential stand.

There are also residential stands for two lucky prison officers, courtesy of Gweru-based property firm Zimbuild Property Investments.

“To enter the draw, one has to buy raffle tickets that are selling for $1 each. This is being done in line with the ZPCS’ thrust to foster community participation and enhance public-private partnerships in rehabilitating offenders,” said Chikwanda.

Zimbuild has poured in $20,000 into the games, with the firm’s chief executive officer Tinashe Manzungu saying they wanted to reward the best performers since ZPCS is a non-profit organisation.