Drug abuse now a national security threat — Minister Judith Ncube

THE drug and substance abuse scourge is no longer merely a health issue, but a social crisis, economic emergency and serious national security threat, Bulawayo Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Judith Ncube has said.

Speaking during her welcome remarks on the first day of a two-day workshop for the Bulawayo Provincial Drug and Substance Abuse Taskforce at a lodge on the outskirts of the city on Tuesday, Minister Ncube said the workshop had come at a critical juncture in the country’s development.

She said Zimbabwe, like many countries across the globe, was facing an escalating drug and substance abuse crisis, particularly among young people.

“With 32 percent of our national population aged between 10 and 24 years, the youth are not only our greatest demographic asset but also the bedrock upon which the future of this 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 methamphetamine, illicit alcohol, marijuana, codeine-laced cough syrups and other substances were wreaking havoc in homes, schools and communities.

“The consequences are devastating: 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,” she said.

Minister Ncube said the two-day training was more than a training programme, describing it as a call to action and a platform for learning, reflection and collaboration.

She said the knowledge and strategies gained during the workshop should translate into coordinated and practical action within communities.

“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,” she said.

Minister Ncube said the training was a practical step towards strengthening implementation of the plan and reflected the Government’s understanding that the drug and substance abuse battle could not be won by one sector alone.

She said participants would have an opportunity to strengthen their understanding of the drug and substance abuse situation, share experiences and explore practical strategies for prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, harm reduction and community reintegration.

“Let us therefore use these two days not only to acquire knowledge, but also to strengthen our coordination and commitment to action,” she said.

Minister Ncube urged participants to take the knowledge and skills gained during the workshop and translate them into meaningful action within their respective institutions, communities and areas of influence.

She also called for greater focus on rehabilitating and economically empowering young people so that they could rediscover purpose, dignity and opportunity.

“Let this training ignite a provincial movement — one that says no to addiction, and yes to action. Together, let us build a Zimbabwe where every young person has the chance not only to survive, but to thrive,” she said.