Fungayi Munyoro-Chingaira
CHIPINGE TIMES REPORTER

CHIPINGE -Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services (ZPCS) Muchongoyo dance group-Chivaraidze will represent Manicaland at the Chibuku NeShamwari Traditional Dance festival. 
The group came first at provincial competitions held at Dzonzai bar on Saturday and scooped US$2 500 in prize money. 
Redwing Mine Ben Arinoti from Mutasa came second and scooped US$1 500 prize money. Mutare’s Charuwa came third and received US$1 000 prize money. All participating groups received US$500 consolation prizes.
Dhumatasangana (Jerusalem Mbende) from Mutare failed to show up at the provincial finals.
National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NAC) provincial manager, Caroline Makoni expressed satisfaction over the way the provincial competition proceeded.
“A total of nine groups participated in the competition. Chivaraidze was in a class of its own as it exhibited scintillating muchongoyo moves which left the audience begging for more. As Manicaland we hope to maintain the winning streak,” she said.
ZPCS spokesperson Liberty Mhlanga said he is happy that ZPCS’s efforts to mainstream arts as a vehicle to rehabilitate offenders are succeeding.
“As ZPCS Manicaland, we are delighted that we came tops. This alone should tell the world that being in prison is not inability. We are also happy that our efforts to mainstream the arts as a vehicle to rehabilitate offenders are succeeding,” he said.