Vakatumwa World Gospel Takes Message of Hope to Harare Central Prison, Pledges Support for Inmate Rehabilitation

by Staff Reporter

HARARE — Gospel music group Vakatumwa World Gospel, renowned for the hit song “Chitenderano Huya Usainé,” has visited Harare Central Prison to fellowship with inmates, strengthen their faith and pledge continued support for rehabilitation efforts through music.

The visit follows growing public interest in the newly formed inmates’ choral group, Zvishamiso ZvaJehovha, whose performances have attracted renowned choral groups from outside the prison walls.

A video of the inmates’ performance recently went viral on social media, highlighting their musical talent and demonstrating how rehabilitation initiatives by the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service (ZPCS) are creating opportunities for personal growth and transformation.

Speaking during the visit, Vakatumwa World Gospel group leader, Mr Shoud Musona, commended the ZPCS for providing inmates with a platform to express their talents, nurture their abilities and find hope for a better future.

“We thank ZPCS for giving us this opportunity to fellowship with our brothers behind bars. As a faith-based group, our mission is to spread the Word of God through music. We came to support Zvishamiso ZvaJehovha, our brothers in the Lord. We believe music has the power to heal and rehabilitate, and our intention is to bring solace to inmates and remind them that God has not forgotten them,” said Musona.

His remarks underscored the role of gospel music in offering spiritual encouragement, emotional support and a sense of belonging to inmates as they work towards personal reform and eventual reintegration into society.

Harare Central Prison Second-in-Charge, Superintendent Farai Muwodzeri, said the visit demonstrated that the ZPCS’s rehabilitation programmes were yielding positive results, particularly through initiatives that allow inmates to discover and develop their talents.

He noted that partnerships between the correctional service and faith-based organisations were essential in supporting inmates’ rehabilitation, promoting positive behavioural change and preparing them for life beyond prison.

“This cooperation between ZPCS and faith-based organisations like the Vakatumwa World Gospel Group is important for rehabilitation to be successful, and their message resonates with many of our inmates. As ZPCS, we appreciate this kind of support as it helps in the reformation and reintegration of inmates into society,” he said.

Beyond the messages of faith and encouragement, the visit featured a powerful joint worship and fellowship session between Vakatumwa World Gospel and Zvishamiso ZvaJehovha, bringing the two groups together through music and shared spiritual expression.

Vakatumwa World Gospel also pledged to continue supporting the inmates’ choral group and donated provisions to inmates as part of its outreach initiative.

The growing interest in Zvishamiso ZvaJehovha reflects the potential of creative and faith-based activities to complement formal rehabilitation programmes. By giving inmates opportunities to participate in music and other constructive activities, such initiatives can help build confidence, encourage discipline and strengthen positive connections with the wider community.

The ZPCS continues to welcome partnerships with churches, private organisations, the business community, non-governmental organisations and individuals in support of inmate rehabilitation, while upholding freedom of worship and embracing diverse approaches to correctional care.

Vakatumwa World Gospel’s visit reinforces the message that imprisonment need not extinguish talent, faith or hope. Through music, fellowship and community support, inmates can be encouraged to embrace change and work towards a more constructive future.

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