Online Reporter
Paul Pindani in CHINHOYI
NEWLY-CROWNED Miss Chinhoyi University of Technology 2026, Minenhle Ncube, says she will use her crown to help in the fight against drug and substance abuse.
She shrugged off competition from eight other contestants to win the coveted crown.
“Behind a young woman struggling with substance abuse may be a student who once had ambitions,” she told H-Metro.
“A daughter who wants to make her parents proud, a friend who is afraid to ask for help and a young leader whose potential is slowly being overshadowed by circumstances.
“As Miss CUT 2026, I am taking a stand against drug and substance abuse.
“I am not taking a stand by judging young people or calling them failures. I am taking a stand because I believe we have a responsibility to protect the future of our generation.”
She added: “We need universities where students can seek help without fear of being labelled. We need stronger peer-support programmes, meaningful conversations about substance abuse, positive recreational activities and opportunities for young people to develop their talents.
“We need parents, lecturers, student organisations, communities and young people themselves to recognise the warning signs and respond with support rather than simple condemnation.”
Ncube said young people should also be reminded of their value and the opportunities that lie ahead.
“Most importantly, we need to remind young people that they have something worth protecting.
“Young people are called the leaders of tomorrow and I believe we are already shaping tomorrow through what we do today.
“A university student can become a doctor, teacher, chef, entrepreneur, lawyer, scientist, artist, community leader or business owner.”
Ncube urged young people to be mindful of the choices they make. “To the young woman who may already be struggling, I want her to know that her situation does not have to become her identity.
“Seeking help is not weakness. A difficult chapter does not have to be the end of her story.
“As Miss CUT, I want to use my crown to start conversations that matter, to encourage young people to recognise their value, challenge harmful peer pressure and remind the girl child that she has a future worth fighting for.
“I stand against drug and substance abuse because I believe in the potential of our young people. Our young people are not a lost generation. They are a generation with potential, dreams and the ability to lead.
“And if we want responsible leaders tomorrow, we must protect, educate and empower young people today.”
Zimbabwe continues to grapple with drug and substance abuse among young people.
Police reported that 7,753 people were arrested in a nationwide drug and substance abuse crackdown between June last year and May this year.
Youths make up the majority of those arrested. The beauty queen said the girl child could face additional vulnerabilities when substance abuse combines with poverty, peer pressure, sexual exploitation and other social challenges. “Leadership does not begin when one gets a political or corporate position. It begins with the choices young people make today.
“From universities and colleges to schools and communities, young people are already occupying positions of influence — as student leaders, entrepreneurs, innovators, creatives, athletes and community activists.
“I call upon young people to invest in education, acquire skills, support one another and use your voices to tackle social problems instead of contributing to them. Tomorrow’s leaders are today’s young people,” she said.
