Online Reporter
Conrad Mupesa
Mashonaland West Bureau
THE Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs in Zimbabwe (SCIAZ) has joined hands with the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training to intensify the fight against drug and substance abuse in Chegutu.
The council is funding a four-day Economic Resilience and Internal Savings and Lending (ISAL) training programme aimed at empowering youths to build a drug-free community in Ward 4 of Chegutu Municipality.
Ward 4 drew national attention in 2024 following the death of a suspected drug abuser who allegedly mutilated himself while intoxicated.
Popularly known as “Marabha”, the man reportedly slashed his abdomen, exposing his intestines, before being rushed to Chegutu District Hospital, where he died.
Witnesses said he repeatedly shouted that he did not want to be interrupted as he was “removing something” from his stomach.
Against this background, SCIAZ and the Ministry of Youth partnered to tackle the growing scourge of drug and substance abuse in the town through youth empowerment initiatives.
SCIAZ president, Sheikh Ishmail Duwa, said the programme was designed to equip young men and women aged between 18 and 35 with practical financial empowerment skills.
Mashonaland West Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Marian Chombo, who was the guest speaker, said the country needed to shift the conversation from merely focusing on the “problem” to investing in sustainable solutions such as ISAL schemes.
“Why ISALs? Financial empowerment is one of the strongest remedies against hopelessness. Many young people turn to drugs because of unemployment, frustration and financial hardship. By learning how to manage small amounts of money, save collectively and start small businesses, you are taking control of your economic future,” she said.
The four-day workshop, which also focuses on health and mental wellness issues, is expected to end on Thursday, with more than 250 youths attending.
