Online Reporter
Remember Deketeke
THE Government has reiterated its commitment to winning the war against drugs and substance abuse, urging families and communities to take a leading role in protecting the youth from the scourge.
Speaking at the Shawasha Hills Walkathon and Anti-Drug Campaign yesterday, Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet Dr Martin Rushwaya, who was represented by Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Mr Simon Masanga, said the fight against drugs was “a battle for the soul and future of the nation”.
“We have chosen to stand on the side of life, on the side of dignity and on the side of hope,” he said.
“Your initiative today is not just an event, it is a testimony. It says to the nation we will not allow drugs and substances to steal the future of our children.”
Dr Rushwaya applauded the Shawasha Youth Community and the Happiness and Transformation Centre for organising the campaign.
“Drug and substance abuse is one of the greatest challenges of our time. It is a silent war taking place in our homes, schools, workplaces and even on our streets. It knows no boundaries, and no family is immune to this menace,” he said.
He warned that the scourge was threatening the very foundations of the nation.
“This menace threatens our families, our values, our economy and our future. No society is safe until we act together.”
Dr Rushwaya emphasised the importance of families in instilling values and nurturing discipline.
“At the heart of the solution to this menace are the families and communities like the Shawasha community. Proverbs 22 verse 6 reminds us: Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it,” he said.
He also called on communities to embrace reintegration programmes and support rehabilitation.
“To the communities, I challenge you, rise together. Form supported parenting groups, encourage safe rehabilitation and do not stigmatise those battling with drugs or survivors of abuse. Report drug handlers, protect our children and stand as one against drug abuse.”
He commended neighbourhood initiatives already emerging across Zimbabwe, saying they complemented Government’s broader strategy.
Under the Second Republic, he said, the Government had established a number of affordable rehabilitation centres across the country.
“As we witnessed, rehabilitation centres such as Chinotimba in Victoria Falls, Amaveni in Kwekwe and the newly formed Angel of Hope Foundation Centre in Harare are now operational,” he said.
“Government has taken the initiative to ensure that rehabilitation services are accessible and affordable to all Zimbabweans. These are centres of rehabilitation, restoration and healing.”
Dr Rushwaya issued a stern warning to unregistered operators exploiting vulnerable addicts.
“To those exploiting the vulnerable by harassing patients and posting them on social media in the name of providing rehabilitation, please, that must stop, and let me repeat, that must stop. Rehabilitation is sacred work. It must follow proper standards and procedures,” he added.
“To the peddlers, traffickers and suppliers of drugs, know this: your days are numbered. The lives you are destroying will testify against you. Time is ticking and it will catch up with you.”
He urged Zimbabweans to safeguard the country’s reputation for peace and unity.
“Zimbabwe is known for peace and unity. Let us not allow drugs to steal that precious identity. As we march towards Vision 2030, a drug-free Zimbabwe is not a choice but a necessity. It is the foundation of a prosperous nation bound together by family, community and the spirit of Ubuntu.”
Harare East Member of Parliament Mr Kelvin Mutimbanyoka applauded initiatives by private players in removing drugs from the streets. “This initiative shows that youths are not waiting for Government alone but are taking the fight into their own hands,” he said.
He noted that the campaign had brought together residents, schools, churches and civic groups with a unified message that drugs were destroying lives and had no place in society.
“We have seen how drugs are tearing families apart, affecting schoolchildren and even leading to crime. What is happening here today is a strong statement that communities are saying no.”
