Columbus Mabika-Herald Reporter
THE Air Force of Zimbabwe has called for a whole-of-society approach to combating drug and substance abuse, urging communities, workplaces and institutions to work together to identify distributors and users and prevent the scourge from undermining national security.
The military has identified drug and substance abuse as an emerging security threat that requires coordinated action across different sectors, with sport also playing a key role in steering young people and communities away from drugs.
The Commander of the AFZ, Air Marshal Jacob John Nzvede, made the call yesterday during the closing ceremony of the organisation’s inter-base competitions at Manyame Air Force Base in Harare.
He said the warning by President Mnangagwa, who is also Commander-in-Chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, that drug and substance abuse poses a threat to national security underscored the need for a coordinated national response.
“I am saying these words against the backdrop of a creeping problem of drug and substance abuse,” he said.
“The Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces, President Mnangagwa, has cautioned that drug and substance abuse is a threat to national security.
“As such, this calls for the implementation of a multisectoral approach to contain the problem.”
Air Marshal Nzvede said the fight should extend beyond law enforcement agencies to include families, communities, schools, workplaces, sporting organisations and other institutions.
He called on AFZ members to remain alert to the problem and contribute to efforts to identify those involved in the distribution and use of illicit substances.
The AFZ Commander said participation in sport had been identified as one of the pillars of the national anti-drug framework and encouraged personnel to use sporting activities to promote healthy lifestyles and discourage drug abuse. Turning to regional cooperation, Air Marshal Nzvede announced that the AFZ would next year host month-long humanitarian exercises under the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Standing Aviation Committee.
The exercises, code-named Blue Runde, are expected to bring together air forces from across the region to test equipment, personnel and interoperability while strengthening preparedness for humanitarian operations.
Air Marshal Nzvede said the participation of regional air forces would provide Zimbabwe with an opportunity to showcase its capabilities, attractions and cultural heritage.
“All regional air forces are expected to participate, and this will be an opportunity for Zimbabwe to showcase its beauty and cultures,” he said. Air Marshal Nzvede said the exercises would also provide an important platform for personnel to share expertise and strengthen cooperation in responding to humanitarian emergencies.
On the inter-base competitions, he said physical and mental fitness were essential requirements for military personnel entrusted with national defence duties.
Air Marshal Nzvede said sporting activities help build discipline, perseverance and teamwork, qualities that are indispensable in carrying out military assignments.
The competitions also provided an opportunity for personnel from different bases to interact, build camaraderie and strengthen the spirit of unity within the organisation.
Air Marshal Nzvede challenged participants to translate the values developed through sport into improved performance in their military responsibilities.
“I challenge you to use sport to the highest level in the discharge of our core duties in defence of our great nation,” he said.
Air Marshal Nzvede said a physically and mentally fit force remained critical to the AFZ’s ability to fulfil its constitutional mandate of defending Zimbabwe’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
