Chronicle Editor
Amos Mpofu
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DRUG and substance abuse has become a problem among youths in Zimbabwe, with more than half of the country’s youth population, approximately 57 percent, being involved in illicit substance abuse.
Research has shown that young people take drugs as a stress reliever against poverty and unemployment. Other common drivers include peer pressure, broken families, emotional and physical abuse, and curiosity, often resulting in addiction.
According to research, young people who persistently abuse substances often experience an array of problems, including academic difficulties, health-related problems (including mental health), poor peer relationships, and involvement with the juvenile justice system.
In schools, drug and substance abuse results in diminished concentration and memory retention, reduced executive function, and increased absenteeism.
Speaking during belated Day of the African Child commemorations at St Bernard’s Primary School in Bulawayo’s Pumula South suburb recently, Bulawayo Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Judith Ncube said addressing the drug and substance abuse scourge among youths in the country is crucial for safeguarding their well-being and educational prospects.
Minister Ncube said combating drug abuse is everyone’s responsibility.
“Drug and substance abuse is a collective battle requiring unified efforts and focused action. Failure to address it risks wiping out generations.
“Our youth are our future, and by working together, we can uplift them and rehabilitate addicts. Let’s promote dialogue and zero tolerance to save future generations,” she said.
Minister Ncube praised the public’s commitment to collaborating with the Government in combating the scourge of drug and substance abuse, which she said has significantly impacted the youth and the nation as a whole.
“The prevalence of drug and substance abuse among the citizenry in the country has now reached alarming and unprecedented levels.
“In an effort to try and address the problem, His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe Cde ED Mnangagwa has directed Cabinet Ministers to lead and guide the Provincial Drug and Substance Abuse Taskforces. His Excellency empowered communities to come up with their own strategies to fight and combat the impact of drugs and substance abuse as he always says ‘Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo, ilizwe lakhiwa ngabaninilo.’ I am indeed pleased that our stakeholders and communities have taken heed of His Excellency’s advice of taking a lead on issues that affect our societies. Your efforts contribute immensely to several other rehabilitative measures that the Government is putting in place,” she said.
The Government recently established a Provincial Drug and Substance Abuse Taskforce which operates based on six pillars.
The pillars include Supply Reduction, spearheaded by the Zimbabwe Republic Police; Demand Reduction, overseen by the Ministry of Youth, Empowerment, Development, and Vocational Training; and Harm Reduction, Treatment, and Rehabilitation, managed by the Ministry of Health and Child Care.
Community re-integration efforts are led by the Department of Social Development, while Media and Communication strategies are coordinated by the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services. Lastly, Resource Mobilisation is handled by the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works.
These pillars aim to address several critical objectives such as preventing the supply and demand of dangerous drugs and substances, reducing harm associated with drug use, ensuring access to harm reduction, treatment, and rehabilitation services.
Speaking during the same event, St Bernard’s Primary School head Mrs Sindiso Mpofu said children should refrain from any attempts to experiment with drugs under any circumstances.
“As school children, I want to urge all of you to watch out for bad friends who might influence you to bad behaviour, choose your friends wisely. Always try not to fall prey to peer and social pressure, avoid experimenting with drugs and substances.
Always make sure you are in a safe place, avoid exposing yourselves to set-ups that might make you fall victim to drugs and substance abuse,” said Mrs Mpofu.
A representative from the Pumula Police Victim Friendly Unit emphasised the importance of reporting any abuse children may experience at home.
She urged the learners to obey their parents, who should discipline them appropriately for any misbehaviour.
The representative said drugs are a significant factor contributing to various crimes committed by youths.
Contact Family Counselling Centre counselling officer Ms Mary Phiri said guidance and counselling is an essential tool to combat rising cases of drug and substance abuse.
“We are saying cope safely; say no to drugs. We understand that many people are getting into drugs because of social problems but we are firmly saying counselling is crucial in addressing the issue of drug and substance abuse,” she said.
Various stakeholders, including anti-drug organisations and local leaders joined learners from St Bernard’s Primary School in advocating against drug and substance abuse, emphasising its negative effects on youths and the society.
Learners dramatised and recited poems against the abuse of drugs.
Online Reporter