Chiefs urged to lead anti-drug war in Matabeleland North

TRADITIONAL LEADERS in Matabeleland North are being called upon to lead the fight against drug and substance abuse, a growing menace that threatens to derail the future of young people in their communities. This urgent plea came from Matabeleland North Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Richard Moyo, during the installation of Chief Madliwa in Nesigwe Village, on Monday.

Minister Moyo stressed that drug and substance abuse poses a grave risk to the potential of the youth, underscoring the critical role traditional leaders must play in shielding them from its devastating effects.

“Despite the progress made in the fight against drugs and substance abuse, much more remains to be done.

Communities, families, and traditional leaders have a critical role to play. We must monitor schoolchildren, as some are dropping out due to drug use. Others are committing suicide, self-harming, or developing serious health complications.

“We are also witnessing domestic violence among the elderly as a result of this scourge. The future of our youth is in jeopardy because of drugs. The Government has introduced several strategies to tackle the issue, and communities must take full advantage of these,” he said.

Minister Moyo called on traditional leaders to take an active stance in addressing the crisis and to refer individuals in need of medical assistance to Ingutsheni Central Hospital.

“I urge you, Chief Madliwa, to lead the people your father entrusted to you, to protect and guide them impartially.

They will support you if you work harmoniously with them and treat everyone equally,” he said.

He said that the fight against drug and substance abuse is a national concern that demands collective action. To demonstrate its commitment, the Government launched the National Action Plan on Drugs and Substance Abuse, bringing together various stakeholders in this critical battle. As a result of these initiatives, numerous drug dealers have been arrested and imprisoned.

The Minister also encouraged the community to participate in development programmes introduced under the Second Republic. In Nkayi, he noted, the construction of Ziminya Dam — currently 31 percent complete — will help alleviate water shortages and support irrigation schemes across the district. Speaking at the same event, the President of the National Council of Chiefs, Chief Mtshane Khumalo, clarified that while the selection of a traditional leader is the responsibility of the family, the National Council of Chiefs intervenes only when disputes arise, in accordance with the 2013 Constitution.

He said that the Council sends a delegation of chiefs familiar with the area’s customs and traditions.

“We rarely make mistakes in determining who should assume the chieftaincy. We sent three delegations here, and all reached the same conclusion. If anyone wishes to challenge the decision, they may approach the High Court, but it will be difficult to overturn, as our process is thorough,” he said.

The newly installed chief, the sixth in the district, succeeds his late father, Timothy Khumalo, who passed away in 2018.

Mr Khulani Khumalo was born in 1974 and attended Nesigwe Primary, Nesigwe Secondary, and Nkayi High School.

He worked in Bulawayo and South Africa before returning home in 2022. He is married to Thulisile Mkhwananzi and is a father of six.

The Chief Madliwa chieftainship spans nine wards — 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 17, and 28 — and serves a population of over 35,000 people.

The installation ceremony was attended by the Deputy Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Albert Mavhunga, Nkayi North Member of Parliament Dr Sithembiso Nyoni, Mkoba North MP Edgar Ncube and several traditional leaders, among other dignitaries.

@themkhust