Online Reporter
Zvamaida Murwira
Senior Reporter
THE fight against drug and substance abuse is everyone’s responsibility, with the Government putting in place a robust legal framework and infrastructure to ensure no stone is left unturned in curbing the scourge.
This was said by Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Jenfan Muswere on Friday night at the launch of the Provincial Resource Mobilisation Programme for Harare Metropolitan province. He said, in addition to enacting various pieces of legislation, health centres and rehabilitation institutions had been constructed as part of broad-based interventions.
“The Government of Zimbabwe, under the leadership of President Mnangagwa, has put in place all infrastructure, legislation and resources for various departments in order to curb this challenge.
“Some of the pieces of legislation we are implementing include the Dangerous Drugs Act, Medicine and Allied Substances Control Act, and Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act in order to deal with the legal side in terms of the proliferation of drug and substance abuse,” he said.
“The construction of a number of health institutions and psycho-social infrastructure throughout the country is testimony of Government commitment to curb the challenge.
“The development of new pieces of legislation, the National Drug and Substance Abuse Control and Enforcement Agency Bill, and resourcing of the police service in order to arrest all drug peddlers and criminals shows Government’s zero tolerance on drug and substance abuse.” It was critical for everyone, he said, to play a role in containing the scourge. Dr Muswere said over the years, drug and substance abuse had been classified as a non-traditional crime, but the magnitude of the problem meant that perception had to change.
“It is incumbent upon everyone to contribute towards this worthy cause. Drug and substance networks, it is our responsibility to fish them out and contribute towards harm reduction, rehabilitation and psycho-social support,” he said.
To strengthen the fight, Government has engaged all stakeholders, including churches, businesspeople and politicians under a whole-of-Government-and-society approach.
“The major and most important aspect related to the launch today (Friday) in Harare Metropolitan is to give a timeline that before end of October 2025 we should have raised enough funding for us to be able to deal with the challenge that affects our health,” Dr Muswere added.
“The national philosophy that ‘Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo’ is an opportunity for youths to contribute towards the destruction of drug and substance abuse.”
Minister of State for Harare Provincial Affairs and Devolution Charles Tawengwa emphasised the need for collective action. “We always celebrate when a goal has been scored. Everyone should contribute to that goal. Let us be team players,” said Minister Tawengwa.
Harare Mayor Councillor Jacob Mafume also pledged the city council’s commitment to the campaign.
Several companies and individuals made pledges in cash and kind towards the fight, with the highlight being Premier Soccer League team Scottland’s pledge of US$52 000. The event was also attended by Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Deputy Minister Dr Omphile Marupi, local authorities, captains of industry and other stakeholders.
