Online Reporter
Herald Reporter
THE Youth Service in Zimbabwe continues to achieve milestones, with 1 907 youths graduating, while an additional 1 844, who include 70 survivors of drug use, are undergoing training, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Jenfan Muswere has said.
Speaking at a post-Cabinet media briefing in Harare on Tuesday, Dr Muswere said the Youth Service is part of a broader strategy to address challenges posed by drug and substance abuse across the country.
Cabinet also reviewed a comprehensive report on drug and substance abuse covering the period from March 12 to June 2, 2025, with the report outlining efforts in suppressing drug trafficking and promoting awareness.
Notably, the Criminal Investigations Department received five drones for enhanced surveillance at border posts, a move aimed at curbing the influx of illicit drugs.
As the Government continues to tackle the dual challenges of youth empowerment and drug abuse, the recent achievements mark a hopeful step towards a brighter future for Zimbabwean youths.
“Government is fully aware that empowerment programmes play a pivotal role in transforming young citizens to be productive and avoid the trap of drug and substance abuse,” said Dr Muswere.
He said the Government reached out to 212 426 youths through awareness campaigns and empowerment programmes that included youth development leadership, financial literacy and entrepreneurship.
Dr Muswere said President Mnangagwa handed over tipper trucks bought under the US$2 million Presidential Youth Fund to young entrepreneurs aimed at expanding businesses in sectors such as construction, mining and transport.
He said 17 349 youths were empowered through programmes such as fish farming, the Mbire Goat project, the Presidential Youth Empowerment Scheme and financial literacy training through Empower Bank and Tonganyika Trust.
Line ministries carried out campaigns against drug and substance abuse, with the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education reaching out to 1 082 875 learners and the Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development engaging 24 364 youths through the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development.
Over 300 youths benefited from green jobs. In addition, 662 heifers, 31 000 chicks, and 890 000 fingerlings were distributed under one of the ongoing Presidential Empowerment Schemes targeting youths.
Turning to drug abuse, Dr Muswere said 41 drug kingpins were named and shamed during the period, and individuals were sentenced to custodial terms ranging from 12 months to 15 years in prison.
“A cumulative 206 raids were conducted nationwide, leading to the dismantling of 39 illicit drug bases and arrests of 1 445 suspects.
“The Liquor Licencing Board inspected 461 premises, 429 of which were licenced. The 32 premises that were found to be unlicenced were each fined US$40,” said Dr Muswere.
