Online Reporter
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, Zimpapers Writer
MATABELELAND South Province is set to train traditional and faith leaders to equip them with psycho-social support skills as part of the national drug and substance abuse response strategy.
Provinces have been tasked to come up with strategies, among them, raising funds towards the fight against drug and substance abuse in a bid to tackle the growing scourge that has devastated communities across the country.
This follows the national call to action by President Mnangagwa, who on 11 July 2025, launched the National Drug and Substance Response Resource Mobilisation programme in Harare.
Matabeleland South has set a target of US$250 000.
The Government has set up a National Committee on Drug and Substance guided by seven pillars. The pillars focus on supply, demand, harm reduction, treatment, rehabilitation, legal frameworks, community reintegration and media strategies to ensure a holistic fight against the scourge.
Speaking on Wednesday during a drug and substance abuse provincial planning meeting, Permanent Secretary for Matabeleland South Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Mrs Latiso Dlamini-Maseko said the province should work tirelessly to complement the President’s vision of eradicating drug and substance abuse.
“As a province we have not been spared from this scourge of drug and substance abuse which has hit the country. We have to work together as stakeholders from the province in order to come up with strategies that we will implement in the fight against drug and substance abuse.
“Each pillar should come up with prioritised activities and this is what we should come up with from this planning meeting. This problem isn’t just present in our province but in our communities and even our homes as well. Let’s treat this issue as a matter of urgency and let’s respond to the call by His Excellency President Mnangagwa,” she said.
Stakeholders during the meeting identified key areas that will be addressed through drug and substance abuse funding. These include capacitation and training of traditional and faith leaders as part of the re integration process.
The TB Centre in Gwanda town is set to be renovated to become a rehabilitation centre. Other activities that will be carried out include awareness campaigns, patrols, community empowerment projects, establishment of recreational facilities, sporting activities among others.
The Government has already allocated ZWG$865 million to support the programme with individuals, corporations and development partners being urged to play a critical role through donations and partnerships.
In a message delivered by Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Minister, Edgar Moyo, during the July launch, President Mnangagwa underscored the gravity of the crisis and outlined the Government’s multi-pronged approach. He further noted the successes recorded in apprehending drug dealers and enforcing stricter laws, while urging law enforcement agencies to intensify their efforts.
President Mnangagwa urged law enforcement agencies to net more perpetrators for possession, trading, and consumption of dangerous substances.
He also highlighted the operationalisation of three rehabilitation centres across the country and the plan to establish 67 more facilities, driven by strong collaboration between Government and private sector stakeholders.
President Mnangagwa has also emphasised the importance of collective responsibility, urging families, communities, and faith leaders to take an active role in the prevention, rehabilitation and reintegration of survivors.
In 2021, the Government adopted the National Drug Master Plan, which outlines a framework of operation.
Despite these efforts, substance use among young people in Zimbabwe continues to rise alarmingly, pointing to the need for more than just a framework, but an action plan with comprehensive, responsive strategies.
In response to the escalating crisis, President Mnangagwa launched the Multi-sectoral Drug and Substance Abuse Plan (2024- 2030). The plan aims to strengthen enforcement of anti-drug laws and disrupt drug supply chains while also providing for prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation services.
— @DubeMatutu
Bongani Ndlovu