Namibia is participating in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) regional training workshop on rehabilitation and reintegration of inmates back into society without being subjected to rejection and stigma.

The workshop is underway at the Botswana Prison Staff College in Mahalapye, as correctional service providers from the 16-member regional bloc ponder ways of turning prison walls into scales of hope.

Speaking at the workshop, the Director of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Affairs, Kealeboga Moruti, urged the attendees to turn correctional facilities into centres of transformation.

Moruti said SADC member states must work towards turning correctional facilities into centres of transformation where human dignity is respected and individuals are given opportunities to change.

"We believe, director of ceremony, that successful reintegration requires a planned, coordinated and adequately supported transition from prison to community life. We are looking at different member states and what they are investing in different programmes that they are putting in place, including early preparation for release, access to appropriate identification and travel documents, where necessary accommodation and employment opportunities, family engagement and access to health and social services."

Held under the theme: Uniting for Rehabilitation and Reintegration: Strengthening Regional Partnerships for Safer and More Resilient Communities in SADC, the workshop provides Namibia and other member states with an opportunity to exchange lessons and identify approaches that can strengthen correctional practices.