mbulelo smpofu
Meluleki Moyo, Sunday News Correspondent
SO, let us not forget, it’s ‘see something, say something,” he reminds a packed auditorium at Bulawayo’s Luveve Youth Centre, putting to purpose one of the numerous now-white-elephant facilities across the city.
The participants — a strategically picked legion of would-be cluster leaders undergoing rigorous training as communities fight against drugs and substance abuse.
Delegates from several Government departments including the Zimbabwe Republic Police, the Ministry of Health and Child Care, religious organisations as well as residents’ associations fronted by the Bulawayo United Residents Association (Bura), which has become synonymous with the “nothing about us without us” mantra, complement his efforts.
This is the story of Mr Mthulisi Mukhwa Moyo, a reformed addict and former Pastor with the Seventh Day Adventist Church.
In an apparent display of faith in action, it is no longer just about preaching from the pulpit but about taking bold action on the frontline.
Trading his robe for a crusader’s mantle, Mr Moyo has dedicated his life to fighting drug and substance abuse in communities. He is now Programme Lead in Bulawayo’s fight against the scourge.
“Personal experience and inspiration from President Mnangagwa’s call for a drug-free society, declaring zero tolerance on the issue and vowing to dismantle drug supply chains and prosecute those involved, I came to realise the urgency of Zimbabwe’s substance abuse crisis.
“Our nation is indeed under siege, with this epidemic tearing apart individuals, families and communities and at an alarming rate. I felt a deep sense of responsibility to take a stand and contribute meaningfully to the fight against this growing menace.
“My primary focus is on empowering communities in Bulawayo and beyond through orientation and awareness workshops. The programme will also be integrated into the Government’s demand reduction pillar committee in Bulawayo Metropolitan Province for further monitoring and guidance,” said the former addict, who at the age of 14, almost drank and smoked his life to nothingness, had it not been for his decision to swiftly self-rehabilitate.
Taking place in all wards across Bulawayo, the ongoing initiative has seen stakeholder engagement through courtesy visits to Government agencies, non-governmental organisations, religious institutions and the private sector, subsequently building collaborative partnerships in the process.
“I have worked extensively with young people in various capacities over the years. My pastoral work, particularly in the Midlands, provided me with opportunities to mentor and guide young people, in person and through social media.
“During my youthful years, I witnessed first hand the destructive impact of substance abuse on my peers, with some losing their lives while many struggled to mature into independent and responsible adults. These tragic outcomes reinforced my resolve to be part of the solution,” said Mr Moyo, who is also a certified life coach, specialising in addiction recovery.
With the first phase expected to run up to June this year, the ongoing programme is aimed at raising awareness about the dangers of substance abuse through education and awareness campaigns, training community volunteers to lead prevention efforts through education and advocacy, engaging and empowering young people through sports and vocational training, as well as encouraging active community participation in addressing substance abuse challenges at grassroots level.
Speaking during the outreach programme at Luveve Youth Centre, acting police spokesperson for Bulawayo Province Inspector Nomalanga Msebele, urged cluster leaders to acquaint themselves with contemporary street lingo, the form of communication used by drug peddlers.
She said reporting drug and substance abuse cases is everyone’s responsibility, even through low-key format.
“In everything you do, see or hear, remember that you are a leader, also involved in policing and with a role to play in this fight. You can report quietly, and in case you feel some law enforcement agents are involved, remember, the officer-in-charge’s door is always open.
“You are the ones living within the communities, everything is happening before your eyes, please do not conceal information. Listen carefully and master the street language used by these peddlers, for instance, understand what they mean by umangoye and so forth. For the sake of our youth, let us all work together towards flushing out these cartels. Let us desist from the habit of harbouring these criminals because we are playing a role in the killing of our own children. The moment God asks us; “Where are the children I gave you?” What will we say?” she said.
Bura chairperson, Mr Winos Dube called for collective action.
“We are delighted to be part of this initiative and to witness community members undergoing such an insightful orientation. As Bura, we find joy in complementing development efforts by the Government, stakeholders or individuals, especially if they are meant to benefit the people.
“Saving our young people, that seed of an ongoing national project from this scourge, is everyone’s responsibility. If the whole of Bulawayo could emulate what Entumbane has done, Bulawayo can play a leading role in the fight against drugs and substance abuse in the country,” he said.
Entumbane suburb recently made headlines after residents launched an aggressive campaign to flush out drug lords.
The strong co-operation by community members with police and other stakeholders saw the arrest of dozens of suspects, who were hosting vuzu parties and peddling drugs to school children as young as 12.
Some of the suspected drug dealers are reported to have since moved to other suburbs.
Mr Moyo’s efforts are in sync with the Second Republic’s endeavour to stop the drug menace. The Government has put in place the Zimbabwe Multi-Sectoral Drug and Substance Abuse Plan 2024-2030 as part of efforts to fight the substance abuse scourge.
Apart from providing a comprehensive framework for the prevention and treatment of drug and substance abuse, the plan is also aimed at reducing harm and promoting a healthy lifestyle, among young people. — [email protected]
Online Reporter