Thupeyo Muleya, Beitbridge Bureau
Matabeleland South Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Albert Nguluvhe, has said a peaceful environment is critical to promoting investment across all economic sectors, and that maintaining peace cannot be left to the Government alone.
He made the remarks while speaking at a Church Leaders Interface Luncheon held in Beitbridge on Saturday, where he hosted over 600 religious leaders from various churches.
Minister Nguluvhe said the religious sector, which commands thousands of followers, should be actively involved in peacebuilding.
The event was also attended by Chief Matibe (Beitbridge East), Headman Foromela (Beitbridge West), Beitbridge Mayor Councillor Peter Pirato Mafuta, Beitbridge RDC Chairman Councillor Oscar Chiromo, and Beitbridge West Member of Parliament Cde Thusani Ndou.
The minister also stressed the critical role played by the church in ensuring peace, social cohesion, and in the fight against drug and substance abuse and moral decadence.
“I implore our church leaders to walk with the Government on the road to Vision 2030. The church should be at the forefront of driving peace in our communities and also plead with you to continue preaching peace, to pray for the reduction of crime and to pray for rains as we face the El Niño-induced drought,” he said.
The Minister also spoke on the importance of communities sending children to school and gave an update on ongoing Government projects, including the 40 science laboratories which are part of the 2026 Independence Legacy Projects.
He emphasized the need for regular meetings between the church and Government leadership to exchange notes on areas of mutual interest, and pleaded with Beitbridge Municipality and the Rural District Council to involve community members on matters of development, especially on the use of devolution funds.
“The time for politicking is over; hence, our communities along with the Church should work together in driving development,” he said.
Minister Nguluvhe called on Government institutions, the private sector, development partners and other stakeholders to fund the setting up of drug rehabilitation centres so that affected people can access treatment locally.
He said drug abuse remains a serious threat to young people, families and communities, and coordinated action is needed to protect the province’s future.
This comes as Defence Minister Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri, who chairs the national committee on drugs and substance abuse, recently said the Government’s commitment to awareness campaigns, enforcement and rehabilitation cannot be overstated.
She noted the problem often starts at the grassroots level, especially in border areas like Beitbridge where illicit drugs are peddled across illegal crossing points.
Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri said Beitbridge must establish active Village and Ward Anti-Drug and Substance Abuse Committees chaired by village heads, headmen or chiefs, with members drawn from experts in supply and demand reduction, treatment and rehabilitation.
“We need to hear cases of drug and substance abuse being tried at our traditional courts. The National and Grassroots Committees will continue naming and shaming drug lords, peddlers and abusers,” she said.
“Offenders are being sent to court, with no option of a fine, for punitive action to be meted out to deter others. There shall be no sacred cows.”
The most commonly abused drugs include crystal meth, droshky, chimusoja, cocaine, glue, bron-cleer and embalming powder.
Health experts have warned that chronic abuse is linked to serious mental disorders such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, ADHD, generalized anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder and panic disorder.
Nationally, 61 facilities have been identified for conversion to stand-alone treatment and rehabilitation services.
Matabeleland South has availed three facilities for repurposing at Plumtree Clinic, Gwanda TB Clinic, and Phakama.
Three facilities have already been operationalised nationally at Chipadze in Bindura, Amaveni in Kwekwe, and Chinotimba in Victoria Falls.
