MARONDERA — In a gesture that extended the festive spirit to some of the country’s most vulnerable, the Honourable Minister of Information, Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services represented First Lady Dr. Auxillia Mnangagwa today in the distribution of Christmas groceries to inmates at the Marondera Female Open Prison.
In Partnership with Potraz, the distribution comes at a time when the First Lady has expanded her charitable footprint nationwide, offering everything from mobile health clinics and agricultural empowerment programmes to educational support and community engagement efforts.
The First Lady’s work has included health outreach, agricultural empowerment, and partnerships with institutions such as the Zimbabwe Open University to provide skills and certification opportunities for inmates — underscoring its broader focus on rehabilitation and reintegration.
At today’s ceremony, Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services (ZPCS) Commissioner‑General, Mr. Chihobvu, praised the First Lady’s long‑standing support for correctional programmes. “Since my ascension to this post following the late General Zimhondi, the First Lady has been assisting us countrywide, and we are so grateful for her commitment,” he said, underscoring that the groceries were intended solely for the inmates, not for personal use by prison officers.
Minister Tatenda Mavetera, reading a message on behalf of the First Lady, framed the distribution as more than a delivery of goods. “These are not just groceries,” she said. “They are a gesture of shared humanity — a message from your nation carried at the instruction of our mother that says you are not forgotten. Your wellbeing matters, especially at this season.”
The First Lady’s engagement with Marondera Female Open Prison is not unprecedented. In 2022, inmates at the same facility graduated from training programmes offered in partnership with Angel of Hope and Zimbabwe Open University, equipping women with skills and certifications aimed at easing their reintegration into society upon release.
Inmates and prison officers alike noted the dignity and hope these opportunities brought, reinforcing the First Lady’s focus on empowerment rather than punishment alone.
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Zimbabwe’s prison system has faced longstanding challenges — including overcrowding, limited resources, and reliance on external donations for essentials such as food and hygiene supplies — making charitable efforts especially impactful.
Independent reports have documented shortages in nutrition and basic care, particularly for those without family support, highlighting the gap the First Lady is filling.
For the women at Marondera this week, however, the impact was immediate and personal. Inmates received packaged groceries and warm encouragement at a time traditionally associated with family meals and community warmth, offering a brief but meaningful respite from the rigours of incarceration.
As the festive season continues, the First Lady has signalled additional outreach events across the country, reinforcing Zimbabwe’s broader narrative of community support and shared responsibility during the holidays.
