Online Reporter
Conrad Mupesa
Mashonaland West Bureau
IN the heart of Mashonaland West’s gold belt, where artisanal mining drives much of the local economy, a new battle is being fought – not underground, but above it.
It is the fight against drug and substance abuse.
Amid growing concerns over rampant drug use among young miners in Kadoma, the Muduvuri Pan African Hospital Rehabilitation Centre is emerging as a beacon of hope, providing life-changing support to youths battling addiction.
While the gold rush has brought economic opportunity to many in the province, it has also fuelled a shadow crisis.
With mining work often dangerous and physically taxing, some artisanal miners admit to using drugs to endure long hours and harsh conditions.
Others fall into substance abuse as a form of celebration and escapism after successful mining hauls.
But change is taking root.
David Matenga (23), a recovering addict currently completing his rehabilitation at the centre, said many youths working in mining are caught in cycles of addiction.
“Most of us got into drugs because of the stress and lifestyle that comes with the goldfields,” he said.
“But this centre has changed my life. I now see a future beyond the mines and drugs.”
Another patient, Innocent Muduvuri (22), who has spent nearly a month at the facility, echoed similar sentiments.
“We used to spend most of our money on drugs after selling gold. But here, I’ve been learning to live clean and plan for something better.”
Since opening two months ago, the Muduvuri Pan African Hospital Rehabilitation Centre has admitted and treated more than 50 patients, all aged between 21 and 35.
The facility is offering not only detox services, but also counselling, skills training and community reintegration support.
Mr Agent Matore, a psychiatric nurse at the centre, said the majority of those seeking help are young men from artisanal mining communities in and around Kadoma.
“The numbers reflect the urgency of the crisis, but also show us that with proper care and guidance, recovery is possible,” he said.
The centre is the brainchild of Mr Jimayi Muduvuri, who has committed to tackling the drug scourge by providing accessible and affordable rehabilitation services in the region.
Mr Muduvuri has also partnered with churches, civic groups, and volunteers to provide moral and spiritual support to recovering patients.
He is also working closely with Elisha Gumbo, a lawyer and anti-drug advocate who lost both arms after a tragic electrocution 14 years ago.
Now living with a disability, Gumbo uses his personal story to inspire others to overcome adversity.
“We can’t allow drugs to destroy the future of our youth,” said Gumbo.
“This rehabilitation centre is making a real difference. We need more communities to come together like this.”
