Africa-Press – Namibia. A total of 13 898 inmates have benefitted from the Namibian Correctional Service’s (NCS) evidence-based rehabilitation programmes between 2017 and April 2025.
This marks a significant shift from punitive incarceration toward rehabilitation and reintegration.
This was revealed in a speech delivered on behalf of President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah by Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare during the pass-out parade of correctional officers held on Wednesday in Omaruru.
Nandi-Ndaitwah praised the NCS for spearheading a transformative approach in corrections that equips inmates with life skills, values and employable competencies to help them reintegrate into society as productive, law-abiding citizens.
“The NCS has implemented targeted, evidence-based programmes that address the root causes of criminal behaviour, including substance abuse, lack of education, and distorted thinking patterns,” she said.
She indicated that skills development and vocational training have become a core part of this initiative.
These include literacy classes, life skills workshops, carpentry, tailoring, welding and, most prominently, agriculture.
“A cornerstone of these programmes is agricultural training, which serves both rehabilitative and developmental goals. By empowering inmates with agricultural skills, the NCS reduces the likelihood of reoffending while contributing to national food security,” Nandi-Ndaitwah added.
She further said the correctional service cultivates wheat, maize and vegetables while maintaining self-sufficient pork production.
She added that these food products not only feed inmates in correctional facilities but also supply essential goods to the Namibian Police Force, highlighting how rehabilitation can serve broader institutional needs.
“This model aligns with Namibia’s fifth national development plan (NDP5) and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 2: Zero Hunger,” she said.
The Head of State further congratulated the new correctional officer graduates, calling them key players in a national journey of transformation.
Nandi-Ndaitwah then urged the 287 newly graduated correctional officers to demonstrate and uphold the highest ethical principles, treat inmates with dignity, and protect the integrity of the NCS.
“As new graduates, you have now become part of this transformative journey, one that seeks not only to correct but to uplift and empower those entrusted into your care,” she said.
While acknowledging the significant challenges facing the NSC, including shortages in security equipment, uniforms and personnel needed to ensure security at correctional facilities, she noted that the addition of the new officers will ease the burdens and enhance operational effectiveness in correctional services.
The trainees have undergone a well-crafted training for nine months, where seven months focused on theoretical and physical training and two months of work-integrated learning that introduced them to custodial duties.
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