Online Reporter
Rumbidzayi Zinyuke-Senior Reporter
THE sixth group of drug survivors at the Angel of Hope Drug Rehabilitation Centre has successfully completed the initial phase of rehabilitation and is now transitioning into vocational skills training, marking a significant milestone in Zimbabwe’s fight against drug and substance abuse.
The youths, comprising 30 females and 234 males, are now enrolling at a local training institution where they are expected to acquire practical skills to help them reintegrate into society as productive citizens.
Before their departure, the survivors shared an emotional farewell with their parents and guardians during a touching ceremony marked by tears of joy, warm embraces and renewed bonds after years of strained relationships caused by substance abuse.
The occasion also took on a celebratory tone, with the youths showcasing their talents through music, dance and poetry, reflecting both their healing journey and renewed sense of purpose.
Their performances, including moving poetic recitals, drama and energetic dance routines, symbolised hope and determination for a future free from drugs.
Director in the Office of the President and Cabinet, Pastor Leopold Mahofa, who was representing Secretary for Presidential Affairs and Devolution Engineer Tafadzwa Muguti, said enrolment at the rehabilitation centre continues to rise, reflecting growing national confidence in the programme.
“Graduands enrol here in their sorry states and are systematically trained for a month by specialised trainers using normal and non-chemical methods of flushing out drugs. Talents are also initially identified here and exhibited by the displays we witnessed earlier on.
“The rehabilitation programme is run under the auspices of the First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa, who takes the graduands as her own biological children. She regularly gives quality time to each of the graduands to understand their backgrounds and what led them into drug and substance abuse,” he said.
He urged parents and guardians to continue supporting their children to ensure sustained recovery.
Pastor Mahofa expressed appreciation to the First Lady for sacrificing her time to restore lives affected by drug abuse.
“To the graduands, remain well grounded and keep your eyes on the ball of the final tail-end training, where you will attain certificates in your fields of expertise.
“As you have been transformed and re-energised into your former youthful glory, be committed and vigilant to accomplish your training and reintegrate into society,” he said.
Pastor Mahofa warned that law enforcement agencies will continue to intensify efforts to bring drug dealers to justice.
Mr Leopold Mahofa, representing First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa, addresses Angel of Hope Drug rehabilitation survivors before sending them off to vocational training institutions in Mbare, Harare, yesterday.
“As witnessed by the deepening fight against drug and substance abuse, about 19 632 suspected drug peddlers and users were arrested countrywide last year, a 41 percent increase from the 13 942 nabbed in 2024. Of these, 17 028 were referred to the courts for prosecution. Also, 216 drug and substance bases were destroyed across Zimbabwe,” he said.
The survivors expressed optimism about the next phase of their journey, saying they were eager to gain skills that would enable them to lead meaningful and independent lives.
Tinotenda Konje expressed gratitude to the First Lady for giving her a second chance.
“I had run away from home and that is where I was taken from before coming here. I want to thank the First Lady for this opportunity and we promise to fulfil the promises we made to stay away from drugs and turn our lives around,” she said.
Nelia Mangayi said she was now a transformed person.
“I have been given a new sense of direction and purpose in my life. I know when I come back I will be able to serve in my community and contribute meaningfully to my country’s development,” she said.
Desire Gonzo said he was ready to reintegrate into society.
Angel of Hope Drug Rehabilitation survivors sing during their send-off ceremony to vocational training institution in Mbare, Harare, yesterday.
“What I was when I came and what I am now is totally different. We are now going to learn new skills that will be useful in our future and I want to thank Amai Mnangagwa for that chance,” he said.
Parents and guardians also commended the First Lady for her hands-on approach in tackling the drug menace, noting that the programme has helped restore hope and rebuild families torn apart by substance abuse.
Mrs Jane Mukava said the programme was making a difference in communities.
“I am excited about the changes that I am seeing in my child and even he has testified that he was lost before and is now a changed person. I want to say to the First Lady, may you never tire of doing these good deeds,” she said.
Mr Mike Mutizwa said drug and substance abuse was affecting all sectors of society.
“We are happy that we are now getting help from the President and First Lady to fight this scourge. It is now up to us as families and communities to speak with one voice in fighting drug and substance abuse,” he said.
A parent, Mrs Hazvinei Mutizira said the programme had transformed several members of her family.
A relieved parent thanks First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa for her efforts in combating drug and substance abuse through her Angel of Hope Drug Rehabilitation Centre in Mbare, Harare.
“We have three children who have undergone rehabilitation here and I am grateful that I have seen a great change. The child who came here first has been clean since he came back home and he is no longer the same person he was before rehabilitation.
“I am happy that the one who graduated today is already showing change. The First Lady has really done us proud and we are grateful,” she said.
The Angel of Hope Drug Rehabilitation Centre continues to play a pivotal role in nurturing self-worth, instilling discipline and rebuilding lives through a holistic approach that includes therapy, education and physical training.
The transition of the sixth group of survivors into skills development signals a new lease on life, demonstrating that recovery from drug abuse is possible with the right support systems in place.
If using drugs is an offence, the law must take its course regardless of who is involved. We are not a banana republic where the law is selectively applied. If the law speaks to incarceration of dealers and users of drugs, the culprits should not be treated differently. They must be punished. Using drugs is a choice and if it is a criminal offence, it must be treated as such. Why build hospitals for people who commit crimes when prisons are there? Why don’t we do the same for thieves and rapists?