Ku Mukobeko: A journey of redemption through poetry
“CAN you believe that after you died I was accused of being responsible for your death? I was taken to prison and was given a death penalty.”
These words summarise the essence of a literary journey undertaken by an inmate at Mukobeko Female Maximum Correctional Centre in Kabwe, who transformed her incarceration into a verse that reflected through the confines of prison walls.
The genesis of this unique storyline lies in a book titled ‘Ku Mukobeko’ – an anthology of poetry, each verse proof to the struggles, regrets, and reflections of those who have found themselves on the wrong side of the law.
One such contributor, a woman with a past she bravely confronts, sharing her haunting journey from freedom to incarceration – a journey that sets the stage for the powerful anthology that unfolds within the book’s pages.
“I got arrested in 2017, on January 30, for murdering my boyfriend. My journey through prison has been tough and it has also been a learning experience because I have learned so many things I did not know,” reflected Sara Kawanga (not real name) as she shared her journey during an interview, recounting the choices that led her inside the prison walls of Mukobeko Female Maximum Correctional Centre.
Stepping through the big black prison gates on the day of the book launch, a shiver traversed my body as the inmates harmonised in a song, and the resounding echo of the gate closing behind us, the imposing structure surrounded by high walls and barbed wire stood as a stark reminder of the purpose it served.
Inmates, donned in pink dresses, stood with pride, assured to unveil something they had yearned for – a clear indication that creativity knows no bounds.
‘Ku Mukobeko’ book launch was a combination of emotions – raw, unfiltered and, at times, overwhelming.
Each poem read aloud during short presentations was a window into the authors’ souls, laying bare the complexities of life behind bars.
During the launch, Bridge of Hope Foundation programme and grants assistant manager Siziwe Mfula highlighted the positive change of the Zambia Correctional Service Act number 37 of 2021.
Ms Mfula said this legal shift, replacing the Prison Act, marked a milestone, steering the focus from punitive measures to a correctional service, emphasising the reformation and reintegration of inmates into society through comprehensive correctional programmes.
She acknowledged the crucial role of culture and arts in this transformative journey, leading to the initiation of the Bridge of Hope Arts in Corrections (BHAC) project.
“The initiative aims at transforming the prison arts programmes to harness the extrinsic and intrinsic elements of creative expressions by inmates: how they document inmate lived experiences, foster collaboration and interaction of inmate artists with the wider world for success and integration into society upon release,” said Ms Mfula.
Executed at Mukobeko Female Maximum Correctional Facility from December 2022 to February 2023, this initiative aligned withUNESCO’s commitment to promoting the transformative power of arts for inclusive development, emphasising cultural rights.
Zambia National Commission for UNESCO senior programme officer – culture Samson Kantini underscored the inherent responsibility for education provision and skills training for incarcerated individuals.
Dr Kantini said arts play a vital role in building connections between inmates and their families, which is a crucial aspect in breaking the historical cycle of recidivism.
He positioned the launch of the book as uniquely important, noting that, “Firstly, it provides families and communities access to the inmates’ lived experiences, fostering collaboration and interaction with the wider society in a creative manner essential for healing.
It also positions the inmate authors as integral contributors to the book industry, enabling them to generate income.
The book raises awareness about the pressing issue of sexual and gender-based violence (GBV) in Zambia.
The poetry anthology ‘Ku Mukobeko’ was hailed as confirmation to collaborative efforts between the ministries of Education and Home Affairs, showcasing international cooperation in transforming prisons into the Zambia Correctional Service.
It underscored the Government’s commitment to fostering creative arts programmes for rehabilitation, ultimately facilitating the successful integration of inmates into society upon release.
Representing Zambia Correctional Service Commissioner General Fredrick Chilukutu, Deputy Commissioner in charge of industries Yanda Ndila acknowledged the timeliness of the project, resonating with the vision of the New Dawn government for arts in correctional facilities.
Mr Chilukutu emphasised the transformative power of the arts even within incarceration, empowering individuals to express emotions and thoughts creatively.
He highlighted the shift from traditional recreational services to fostering collaboration between the arts community and incarcerated women, emphasising the dual purpose of preparing inmates for successful integration and addressing challenges faced by victims of GBV.
Aligning with UNESCO’s commitment to inclusion, non-discrimination, and human rights, the project at its core strengthened the Zambia Correctional Service’s capacity and promoted inclusive development.
The inmates’ anthology, “Ku Mukobeko”, became a strong affirmation to the potential for growth, change, and redemption within each human being.
Mr Chilukutu further advocated for the arts as a vehicle for rehabilitation, healing, and social transformation, fostering dialogue, understanding, and positive change in society.
The presence of 114 inmates, each with a unique narrative imprinted into the fabric of “Ku Mukobeko”, added a human dimension to the reality of incarceration.
Their faces, often marked by resilience, spoke volumes about the strength found within vulnerability. Among them, six circumstantial children embodied innocence amidst adversity, a striking reminder of lives blended with circumstances beyond their control.
As we left the correctional facility, the experience of half a day within those prison walls resonated in our thoughts. The stories shared, the faces encountered, and the unexpected views of humanity thriving in confinement left a lasting memory.
The thoroughly maintained surroundings and the sight of white beddings were contrary to what society would perceive a rehabilitation centre. Instead, the centre conveyed moments of comfort and dignity in a place typically designed for rehabilitation.
Our departure was accompanied by a profound sense of reflection.
The journey into the correctional facility, though brief, had unfolded as a shared story that surpassed the expected boundaries and invited us to re-evaluate pre-conceived notions.
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