THE need for increased collaboration in fighting social vices took centre stage at the weekend during an anti-drug and anti-poaching campaign in Kariba’s Nyaminyami area.
The Nyaminyami area which borders the overpopulated Masutadonha National Park, the traditional leadership is taking an active role in protecting both the environment and the youths.
Chief Msampakaruma mobilised the local community in a spirited campaign against poaching and drug abuse, aligning his efforts with the district’s newly launched land use plan.
The framework aims to promote sustainable land practices and is also earmarked to reduce rising cases of human-wildlife conflict in the area.
“As custodians of both the land and the people, we have a duty to ensure that our environment is protected, and our youth are guided. Poaching destroys our wildlife heritage, and drug abuse is destroying our future leaders,” he said.
“Our Chief has done a noble thing by organising this platform which brings the community together including stakeholders in environmental conservation to discuss pressing issues. Poaching is also contributing to increased cases of drug abuse as it becomes the source of income to buy drugs, while those on drugs are also carelessly moving and engaging in dangerous wildlife prone areas, said a community member, Mr Edmore Mupepe.
The event drew support from various stakeholders, including ZANU PF youth leadership, who used the platform to engage young people on pressing community concerns while promoting skills training and empowerment.
“As the national youth executive, we have also been tasked to move around the country and see how we can tailor-make solutions for specific communities. We are moving with the President’s vision of leaving no one and no place behind. Youths should be empowered for them to avoid getting sucked into social vices,” noted ZANU PF Central Committee Member, Youth League Secretary for Education, Cde Shepherd Marime.
ZANU PF Mashonaland West Provincial Youth League Chairperson Cde Tapiwa Masenda weighed in, “We are here to work with traditional leaders and ensure that youths are not left behind in matters of development. The fight against drugs and environmental crimes begins with awareness.”
As the community embraces proper land use and sustainable practices, continued collaboration between government, political, and traditional institutions has been cited as key to lasting change.
