Project Name: Jail and Bail
Organising Table: Round Table Harare 23
Association: Round Table Zimbabwe
Location: Harare, Zimbabwe
Started: 2010
Status: Active Annual Fundraiser
About Jail and Bail
Jail and Bail is the flagship annual fundraising event run by Round Table Harare 23. First launched in 2010, the concept is simple but impactful: members of the public are “arrested” for humorous or exaggerated charges, brought before a mock judge in a fully staged court setup, and sentenced to raise a specific bail amount. Until that bail is met through donations, the inmate remains “behind bars” — all in good fun, and all for a worthy cause.
The event blends theatre, community engagement, and high-energy fundraising into one unforgettable experience. What makes Jail and Bail unique is its ability to leverage the participation of the wider community. Friends, family, colleagues, and even strangers get involved by donating to “release” inmates — often in hilarious and competitive ways.
Behind the fun is a serious mission: all funds raised support Old Age Pensioners in Zimbabwe. From medical aid (via ZANE) to power support and seasonal food relief, every donation has a direct and measurable impact.
Jail and Bail is more than just an event — it is a spectacle, a tradition, and a symbol of Round Table’s commitment to doing good in unconventional and powerful ways. With a full-scale courtroom set, real-time leaderboards, a fully developed inmate management system, and an atmosphere charged with humour and purpose, it continues to grow year after year in both reach and impact.
Causes Supported
Funds raised through Jail and Bail are directed primarily towards supporting old-age pensioners across Zimbabwe. This includes:
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- Medication support via ZANE (Zimbabwe A National Emergency)
- Emergency care and supplies
- Electricity support (e.g., inverter installations)
- Seasonal hampers and necessities
In-House System
To support the growing complexity and scale of Jail and Bail, Harare 23 developed a custom-built, all-in-one inmate management system. Development began in 2017, and the system officially went live in 2018. Since then, it has become a central part of the event’s success and efficiency.
The platform is designed to handle a wide range of features critical to the event:
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- Inmate Management: Tracks all inmates with profile photos, charges, and running bail totals.
- Live Inmate Screens: Each inmate has a dedicated screen showing their mugshot, bail goal, and a thermometer-style progress bar showing how close they are to posting bail.
- Multi-Currency Support: The system supports multiple currencies with real-time exchange rates. All donations are normalized to USD, even if made in ZIG or other local currencies.
- Automated Posting: Donations are automatically posted and updated using integrated exchange rates to reflect accurate USD contributions.
- Advertisement Management: Screens can rotate between inmate updates and paid adverts. Advertisers can donate to feature their logos or banners on the event displays.
- Live Leaderboards: The system provides a complete view of all inmate totals, including a running event total and dynamic rankings for top-performing inmates.
- Top Donation Tracking: Calculates the highest donation per hour in real time, which is used to reward donors and drive competitive giving.
This system has not only streamlined event operations but also created a more engaging and interactive experience for attendees, donors, and inmates alike.
Participation Statistics
| Year | Total Transactions |
|---|---|
| 2018 | 919 |
| 2019 | 813 |
| 2020 (COVID) | 699 |
| 2021 (COVID) | 734 |
| 2022 | 676 |
| 2023 | 575 |
| 2024 | 560 |
Awards
Jail and Bail has received international recognition for its innovation, impact, and execution. Among its most prestigious accolades, it has twice been awarded the Round Table International Service Project of the Year — a significant achievement given that there are over 4,000 active Tables globally.
2022–2023: RTI Service Project of the Year
2019–2020: RTI Service Project of the Year
These awards are a testament to the dedication, creativity, and hard work of the Harare 23 team and the incredible support received from the community each year. Jail and Bail stands out as a shining example of what is possible when service and fellowship come together with purpose.