Online Reporter
Nqobile Bhebhe, Zimpapers Writer
Zimbabwe’s anti-drug campaign is set to intensify next month with the launch of a two-week disciplinary boot camp in Nyamandlovu, Matabeleland North province, targeting drug abuse and indiscipline among the country’s youths.
Running from August 10 to 23, the initiative is being spearheaded by Coast Guards Security, with organisers hopeful the programme will mould participants into responsible citizens through leadership development, teamwork and discipline-building exercises.
Coast Guards Security Managing Director, Mr Shawn Ndebele, said the programme is designed to equip participants with lifelong leadership skills, boost their confidence and foster accountability.
“We seek to help the youth that are addicted to drugs and parents that have troublesome children and are developing a delinquent behaviour,” said Mr Ndebele.
He noted that the August camp is specifically timed to coincide with the school holiday, giving school-going children access to structured rehabilitation and mentorship during the break.
“Schools are having challenges with rival drug peddlers and addicts, with some going to an extent of stabbing each other during drug-fuelled fights,” he said. “A lot of parents are complaining about children who are selling family properties to buy drugs. We have visited several rehabilitation centres and we have seen it fit to also join the drug and substance abuse fight through professional help.”
Substance abuse remains a serious public health and social concern in Zimbabwe. Commonly abused substances include crystal methamphetamine—locally known as mutoriro—cannabis, and various other illicit drugs.
The country continues to grapple with the social fallout of drug abuse, which includes a spike in violent crime, overstretched healthcare facilities, and escalating mental health challenges.
The bootcamp initiative adds to a growing list of community-led efforts complementing government strategies in the fight against the country’s drug abuse crisis.
