Africa-Press – Eswatini. Change, reflection and second chances took centre stage as sixty inmates at Matsapha Correctional Centre completed a five-week Gender-Based Violence (GBV) rehabilitation programme designed to promote positive masculinity, personal responsibility and respectful relationships.
The graduates, aged between 18 and 29, successfully completed the Men as Supporting Partners (MaSP) Club Programme on December 15, 2025, implemented by local mental health organisation Phumelela in partnership with the Southern Africa HIV and AIDS Information Dissemination Service (SAfAIDS).
The programme aims to address harmful gender norms and behaviours that contribute to gender-based violence, while equipping participants with practical skills to build healthy relationships and become positive role models within their families and communities.
The graduation ceremony was marked by vibrant performances by inmates, including music, dance, poetry and drama. The presentations carried strong messages condemning gender-based violence and emphasising respect, equality and mutual understanding.
In their testimonials, the graduates expressed appreciation to Phumelela, SAfAIDS and the Matsapha Correctional Centre management for the support and guidance provided throughout the training. They pledged to apply the lessons learned during the programme and to emerge from correctional care as responsible and transformed men.
Speaking on behalf of the Officer-in-Charge, Superintendent Masiza Ntshangase commended the inmates for their commitment and discipline during the five-week programme.
He thanked His Majesty’s Correctional Services leadership, including Commissioner General LaMakhosini Phindile Dlamini, as well as Phumelela, SAfAIDS, programme officers and other stakeholders for their contribution to the success of the initiative.
Superintendent Ntshangase noted that such programmes play a critical role in rehabilitation and reintegration, as they equip inmates with life skills that support behavioural change and reduce reoffending.
The MaSP programme covered key topics such as mental health and trauma, gender norms and stereotypes, culture and religion, rights and responsibilities, consent, sexuality and identity, gender-based violence, and healthy relationships built on respect.
Phumelela Director Katrin Lehmann-Kunene congratulated the graduates and described the programme as a process of unlearning harmful beliefs and relearning positive values. She encouraged participants to define themselves by the choices they make going forward, rather than by their past.
She also thanked His Majesty’s Correctional Services leadership and officers for their cooperation, emphasising that rehabilitation is a shared responsibility. Lehmann-Kunene further acknowledged SAfAIDS for funding the programme and developing the curriculum, which ensured access to meaningful and transformative learning.
The ceremony concluded with the presentation of certificates, symbolising both the completion of the programme and the graduates’ commitment to becoming respectful, responsible and supportive members of society upon reintegration.
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