‎Harare, (New Ziana) — The Zimbabwe government has approved the hosting of the upcoming Regional Conference on the Parole System in Africa, a milestone event set to position the country at the forefront of progressive criminal justice reform across the continent.

Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Jenfan Muswere said this while addressing the post Cabinet media briefing on Tuesday.

He said the move comes on the heels of significant legislative reforms including the recent promulgation of the Prisons and Correctional Services Act, which has expanded the scope and accessibility of parole in Zimbabwe.

‎”Historically, parole was a privilege afforded only to selected inmates, typically those serving short sentences or convicted of non-violent crimes. Under the newly enacted law, however, every prisoner, regardless of sentence or offence, is now eligible to apply for parole, provided they demonstrate good behavior, rehabilitation progress, and a clear readiness to reintegrate into society,” he said.

The new parole framework is seen as a cornerstone of Zimbabwe’s broader efforts to modernize its correctional system, aligning with international human rights standards and emphasizing rehabilitation over mere incarceration, he said.
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Muswere said the upcoming regional conference will serve as a strategic platform for African nations to exchange best practices, share challenges, as well as explore innovative alternatives to imprisonment, such as parole, community service, and restorative justice programs.

He said for Zimbabwe, it offers a unique opportunity to operationalise its newly constituted Parole Board, deepening the implementation of the legislative reforms and tailoring its parole system to both local realities and regional insights.

‎”The hosting of this conference is not only a testament to Zimbabwe’s leadership in justice sector reform, but also an affirmation of our commitment to constructive, rehabilitative, and humane correctional policies,” said Muswere.

‎Stakeholders across the criminal justice spectrum, from legal experts and correctional officers to civil society and international partners, are expected to converge for this pivotal event, which will foster regional cooperation and solidarity on correctional and parole matters.

‎As Zimbabwe prepares to welcome delegates from across the continent, the government has emphasized that the initiative reflects a vision for a fairer, more rehabilitative justice system, with parole serving as a practical solution to prison overcrowding and a vital pathway to offender reintegration.

‎With the convergence of legal reform, institutional readiness, and regional engagement, the holding of the Regional Conference is poised to be a defining moment in the evolution of parole systems in Africa.

New Ziana
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