Tadikira Mafubza Mutharika, son of Malawi’s President, on Wednesday spent Christmas Day with inmates at Maula Prison in Lilongwe, describing the visit as both personal and reflective.
Mutharika said the visit was motivated by his own past experience at the prison, noting that he felt it was important to return and share the festive season with inmates who stood by him during a difficult period in his life.
During the Christmas celebration, inmates were provided with food, while Mutharika joined them in singing and dancing as part of the festivities, creating a moment of interaction and solidarity.
Speaking at the event, Mutharika called on the Ministry of Homeland Affairs to consider establishing technical and vocational colleges within prisons. He said his time at Maula Prison exposed him to what he described as significant untapped potential among inmates, particularly youths with skills in trades such as building, electrical work, and carpentry.
He argued that providing structured technical training would help inmates develop practical skills that could support their reintegration into society after serving their sentences.
Deputy Minister of Homeland Affairs, Norman Chisale, was also in attendance at the event. He did not immediately comment on the proposal but acknowledged the importance of initiatives aimed at rehabilitation and skills development within correctional facilities.
Maula Prison is Malawi’s largest correctional facility and has frequently been highlighted in discussions around prison overcrowding and rehabilitation challenges.
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