ACTING President, General (Retired) Dr Constantino Chiwenga, has warned drug peddlers to stop illicit drug trafficking activities as the government intensifies efforts to tackle drug and substance abuse, which is mostly affecting the youth demographic.
A march from Machipisa shopping center in Highfield to New Highfield Roman Catholic church marked the beginning of an anti-drug and substance abuse campaign, which was hosted by the Roman Catholic archdiocese of Harare this Sunday.
The Acting President was the guest of honour.
The campaign signified a renewed commitment by the government and the church to fight the scourge of drug and substance abuse, which is affecting the youth dividend.
“Drug abuse is destroying the future, especially our generation as youths, so it is high time we stop abusing drugs,” a church member said.
“There is a need to establish more rehabilitation centres to achieve the intended goals,” another church member noted.
“Societies are being affected, and I think as youths we must educate ourselves and the community, especially through these awareness campaigns,” a church member added.
The collaboration between communities, government, and the church will galvanise support for the campaign’s goals of education, prevention, and rehabilitation.
“We are denouncing the taking of illicit drugs. We want to rebuild our nation and our church together. Let’s work together so that we achieve this goal,” Roman Catholic South West Deanery, Dean, Father Clifford Nhetekwa said.
“The government cannot address the issue alone, which is why collaboration with other sectors, such as the church, is essential,” Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Senator Charles Tawengwa, noted.
“In line with the multi-sectoral plan on drug and substance abuse launched in 2024, we came up with a clear strategic roadmap towards a drug-free society. A national committee on drug and substance abuse was formed, which has sub-committees and seven pillars to fight this scourge. These include supply reduction, more than 300 000 have been arrested, then the demand reduction pillar, in which the church is also participating, as well as harm reduction and treatment,” vice chairperson on national task force, Hon Kazembe Kazembe added.
The Acting President issued a strong warning to drug peddlers, stating that they will face the full wrath of the law.
“It is disheartening to note that in Zimbabwe, approximately 60 percent of the patients admitted to mental health institutions suffer from drug use-related disorders which is a clear indication that Zimbabwe is not spared by this menace. If everyone else is not taking responsibility, then I say to the drug suppliers and peddlers, you are destroying lives for profit. You deal in more than just drugs, you are killing their mothers, destroying families and livelihoods, leaving a trail of addiction and violence. This is not a good thing,” he said.
The campaign comes after the Cabinet recently approved the National Drug and Substance Abuse Control and Enforcement Agency Bill, whose primary objective is to establish a specialised National Drug and Substance Abuse Control and Enforcement Agency.
