29 Jun 2025

SADC has developed a Model Law on Prison Oversight, which seeks to enhance parliamentary oversight of prison conditions and the treatment of detainees.

According to deputy Speaker of the National Assembly and Mmopane/Metsimotlhabe MP, Ms Helen Manyeneng the law law serves as a standard for national parliaments in SADC member states, empowering them to actively monitor and promote compliance with prison standards.

The goal is to close the gaps in existing legislation and ensure that detainees receive humane treatment.

The deputy speaker’s  recent visit to Moshupa Boys Prison was  in  alignment with the law. 

During her visit, she  urged Inmates at Moshupa Boys Prison to take advantage of the educational and vocational programmes offered by the Botswana Prisons Services.

The initiatives, she said aimed  to equip inmates with valuable skills that will help them reintegrate into society and lead productive lives once they are released.

Ms Manyepeng assessed the living conditions of the young detainees, aged 16 to 21, who have committed crimes often linked to parental neglect or gang involvement.

She stressed the importance of providing young inmates with counselling and psychological support and noted their acknowledgment of the guidance offered to them.

The Deputy Speaker praised the prison’s vocational training programmes, which include carpentry, bricklaying, and welding courses, designed to enhance the inmates’ employability or facilitate their pursuit of entrepreneurship post-release.

She encouraged them to seize the opportunity, stating that all completed programmes award certificates from Madirelo Training and Testing Centre.

Acknowledging the rehabilitative mandate of prisons, Ms Manyepeng highlighted the availability of educational classes for inmates aimed at achieving qualifications equivalent to PSLE, JC,and BGCSE certificates.

She urged detainees to engage fully in these educational opportunities to better prepare themselves for reintegration into society.

She commended the Moshupa Boys Prison for its commitment to rehabilitation and reintegration of inmates, which enhances their chances of being accepted back into their communities. 

She also recognised the essential role of stakeholders such as social workers, dikgosi and community elders in assisting ex-offenders’ transition back into society.

In discussions with the inmates, some voiced a preference for vocational training over formal education, citing lack of academic aptitude. 

Meanwhile, others enrolled in formal education requested additional instructors to aid in their examinations preparations, expressing concerns over inadequate tutoring time due to staff obligations.  Other issues raised included missed court appearances and challenges in understanding court proceedings.

In response, Ms Keneilwe Mokwenaotsile, Deputy Commissioner for Rehabilitation and Integration, assured inmates that their concerns would be addressed. 

She noted that vocational training is only available to those already serving sentences, not to inmates awaiting trial. 

Regarding issues with court proceedings, she encouraged inmates to speak up if they have difficulties understanding what is being said. During welcome remarks, Deputy Commissioner Mokwenaotsile called upon inmates to strive for improvement in their lives to avoid returning to prison due to minor offenses. ENDS