Reimagining Juvenile Justice: Upholding the Nelson Mandela Rules for Effective Rehabilitation

ICPA 2025 Presentation by Sandra Chisora and Isaac Sibiya (PID192)

Authors

Sandra Chisora

Legal Officer, Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services, Zimbabwe

With a background in law and a heart for justice, I have devoted my career to advocating for the rights and rehabilitation of juvenile offenders. I am passionate about promoting humane treatment and rehabilitation in correctional facilities. As a Legal Officer for the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services, I have a deep understanding of the complexities of the juvenile justice system, and working with juvenile offenders has provided me with invaluable insights into the challenges and opportunities for improving correctional practices, as well as the impact of humane treatment and evidence-based approaches on rehabilitation and reintegration in practice.

With a Master's degree in Child Law and currently pursuing a Master's Degree in Conflict Prevention and Early Warning Mechanisms, I am developing a nuanced understanding of the root causes of conflict and strategies for prevention and mitigation and I am committed to applying this knowledge to improve outcomes for young people in conflict with the law. I am excited to learn from the insights of others at the ICPA conference in the pursuit of more effective and compassionate correctional practices as well as to collaborate with fellow professionals in shaping a more humane and effective approach to correctional care that prioritizes rehabilitation, dignity and human rights.

Isaac Sibiya

Principal Correctional Officer, Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service, Zimbabwe

Isaac Sibiya is a Principal Correctional Officer with the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service, currently serving as a Research and Development Officer. With over 20 years of experience, he has gained vast expertise in correctional management, offender rehabilitation, and institutional administration. He is driven by a strong passion to propel the organisation forward through innovative, evidence-based practices. Isaac believes in using research to inform policy reforms and operational improvements. His work focuses on developing frameworks that enhance rehabilitation, staff development, and community reintegration. He collaborates with stakeholders locally and regionally to share correctional best practices. Isaac is respected for his integrity, analytical skills, and ability to turn research into action. He has influenced policies that promote humane custody and effective offender management. Outside work, he advocates for staff wellness and professional growth. Isaac’s vision is to help build a correctional service that secures and empowers inmates for successful reintegration.

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