BULAWAYO, OCT 01, (Southern Eye-Live)- Inmates at Beitbridge Prison exhibited handcrafted products at the Tshitaudze Heritage Festival in Mpande, Beitbridge, as part of efforts to promote rehabilitation and community reintegration.
The inmates displayed artefacts made using vocational skills acquired during their incarceration.
The festival was attended by Vice-President Kembo Mohadi, Matabeleland South Provincial Affairs and Devolution ministet Albert Nguluvhe and Beitbridge Prison deputy correctional officer Kudzai Makoni.
Mohadi encouraged the inmates to use the skills they acquired in prison to build their future while preserving local cultural heritage.
"The skills you have learnt should help you advance your future prospects while preserving our cultural practices," Mohadi said.
The festival also provided a platform for inmates to interact with members of the public and reconnect with their families while engaging with Venda and Tsonga (Tshangani) cultural traditions.
One inmate who spoke on condition of anonymity said the festival gave him a rare opportunity to reunite with his family after a long time in prison.
"It is a pleasure to reunite with my family after a long time in prison," the inmate said. "I am very happy that I visited my home area today and got time to link up with my peers and relatives. I feel very welcomed."
