Online Reporter
Sikhumbuzo Moyo [email protected]
THE Zimbabwe Council of Churches (ZCC) has called on the Christian community to join Government and other stakeholders in speaking out against the drug and substance abuse scourge, which continues to wreak havoc across the country.
Speaking during the recent Bulawayo Provincial Drug and Substance Abuse Taskforce workshop held on the outskirts of the city, Reverend Bhekinkosi Sibanda, representing churches under the ZCC umbrella, said Christians have a critical role to play in protecting communities, particularly young people, from the devastating effects of drug and substance abuse through advocacy, awareness campaigns and support for those affected by addiction.
The ZCC urged churches and their congregations to work closely with Government, families and communities in confronting the scourge, saying collective action was necessary to safeguard the future of the country.
“Let the men and women of God speak against drugs and substance abuse. Let the voice of the church be heard even louder in this fight,” said Rev Sibanda.
He said the church is ever-present in people’s lives through families, schools and communities, youth groups, women’s and men’s fellowships, Sunday schools and pastoral ministries, placing it in a strategic position to help prevent drug and substance abuse and support those already affected.
Rev Sibanda said while he was a man of God, he appreciated that people affected by drug and substance abuse do not only need prayers, but also medical and professional assistance, including rehabilitation.
“I have personal experiences where even some of my relatives have become victims of this scourge and I had to take them for rehabilitation. As Christians and church leaders, let us be proactive in this fight,” said Rev Sibanda.
He said the church should complement Government-led efforts by educating communities about the dangers of drug and substance abuse, identifying those in need of assistance and helping to ensure that affected individuals are referred to relevant support and rehabilitation services.
In her remarks at the same event, Bulawayo Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Judith Ncube said the drug and substance abuse scourge is no longer merely a health issue, but a social crisis, economic emergency and serious national security threat. She said Zimbabwe, like many countries across the globe, was facing an escalating drug and substance abuse crisis, particularly among young people.
Minister Ncube said with 32 percent of the national population aged between 10 and 24 years, the youth were not only the country’s greatest demographic asset but also the bedrock upon which the future of the nation must be built.
“Yet, too many of them are being lost to addiction, a silent pandemic that is eroding lives, families, communities and our national economy. The harsh reality is undeniable,” said Minister Ncube.
She said the consequences were devastating, citing surging mental health challenges, rising crime, increased school dropouts, broken family structures and dwindling productivity.
“This is not just a health issue. It is a social crisis. It is an economic emergency. It is a national security threat. The Government of Zimbabwe remains fully committed to combating this scourge.”
In April 2024, Cabinet approved the Zimbabwe Multi-Sectoral Drug and Substance Abuse Plan (2024-2030), a framework that calls for inclusive, evidence-based and coordinated action.
In 2023, President Mnangagwa declared drug and substance abuse a national disaster and set up an inter-ministerial committee chaired by Defence Minister Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri.
Government subsequently expanded the master plan into the Zimbabwe Multisectoral Drug and Substance Abuse Plan, which is being implemented through seven pillars: supply reduction; demand reduction; treatment and rehabilitation; harm reduction; community reintegration; policy and legal enforcement; media and communication; as well as resource mobilisation and economic strengthening.
