Online Reporter
Obey Musiwa and Alicia Kadzviti
10‑year‑old Mr Mini Africa, Samuel Credo Kereke, and the 33rd Child President of Zimbabwe, Lionel Mazarire, have added their voices in denouncing drug and substance abuse to safeguard the country’s sovereignty and future national development.
They were speaking during a campaign running under the theme “Catch Them Young”, which is not only focusing on awareness but also on prevention, rehabilitation, and empowerment.
Speaking to Zimpapers yesterday, Child President Lionel Mazarire said drug abuse robs children of health, education, and skills, weakening the nation’s economic future.
“Drug and substance abuse has actually become a major problem because it is now causing a lot of damage,” he said.
“Children have lost their health and also other youth. When we have people in a nation without skills and knowledge, it means that there’s going to be economic backlash and the nation is at risk.”
He added that prevention is more powerful than cure, noting that early exposure to drugs undermines education and threatens Zimbabwe’s economic stability.
“It is better to prevent than to come up with a cure because you have to stop before the effects rise. We are supposed to remove the threat, not just acknowledge that it is there,” he said.
In his sentiment, Samuel Credo Kereke said drugs alter the body and mind, luring teenagers through curiosity or stress, and ultimately spoiling their future.
“Drugs change how your body and mind work. Some teenagers start using drugs because of curiosity and to relieve stress,” he said.
He emphasised that the theme “Catch Them Young” teaches society to stop children from engaging in drugs early, while rehabilitation centres provide counselling and hope.
“The theme is teaching us to stop children and teenagers from doing drugs and substance abuse,” he said.
