Gweru Mayor calls for partnerships to keep Gweru’s Queen of Peace viable

GWERU City Council (GCC) has pledged its commitment to supporting the Queen of Peace Rehabilitation Crisis Centre, saying it has played a significant role as a sanctuary for victims of drug and substance abuse, the vulnerable, as well as survivors of gender-based violence.

Speaking during a recent tour of the centre last Tuesday, Gweru Mayor Clr Martin Chivhoko, who was leading councillors and council management, said the facility has remained a beacon of hope for the community that has continued offering social support in the face of many operational challenges.

The delegation acknowledged the critical role provided by the centre as a facility for rehabilitation and giving a second chance to victims.

“For years, the Queen of Peace Centre has stood as a critical line of defence for the most vulnerable members of our society. It provides sanctuary, rehabilitation and a second chance to victims of drug and substance abuse, survivors of gender-based violence and those facing mental health crises,” he said.

Clr Chivhoko urged delegates to look beyond the infrastructure and witness dignity being restored to individuals, as well as the dedication of staff and volunteers.

“I urge you to look beyond the infrastructure. Look at the dignity being restored to the individuals here.

“Look at the dedication of the staff and volunteers who work tirelessly, often with limited resources. Your presence here signals a commitment to understanding the realities of urban rehabilitation and the challenges that the centre is facing,” he said.

Clr Chivhoko outlined the local authority’s commitments, including establishing satellite drop-in centres in high-density suburbs, expanding skills development programmes and spearheading a campaign against drugs and substance abuse.

He said that the city will also lobby for sustainable funding for the centre, noting that without the facility, the burden on the families, clinics and streets would be overwhelming.

“The City of Gweru recognises that the fight against substance abuse and the support of mental health are not just health issues, they are foundational to public safety, economic productivity and social stability,” said the Mayor.

He commended fellow councillors and members of the management for taking the time to witness the operations first-hand.

“Seeing the work being done on the ground, the counselling sessions, the skills training, the medical care provides a clarity that no report or spreadsheet can offer, emphasising Gweru’s commitment to being a city of compassion, second chances and hope,” said Clr Chivhoko.

Echoing the Mayor’s sentiments, the founder of the centre, Dr Stella Khumalo, expressed gratitude for the visit, which she hoped would result in the delegates appreciating the daily operations of the centre.

“Today is about helping you understand the work we do, correcting misconceptions and exploring how we can work together as partners,” she said.

Dr Khumalo said the Queen of Peace centre is a holistic rehabilitation and community support centre addressing drug and substance abuse, mental health care and reintegration into families and society.

She said the centre is already supporting Gweru by taking people off the streets, reducing public disturbance and conducting clean-up campaigns.

“However, demand far exceeds capacity, with challenges including limited funding, lack of facilities and a volunteer-based workforce,” she highlighted.

Dr Khumalo proposed collaboration areas, including access to funding, a soup kitchen and the outreach programme.

“We are not asking the City to do everything, but let’s work together as partners,” she appealed.

The delegation had an opportunity to appreciate the mats, hats, and wool throwovers that are made by the inmates.

“This is to show you that mental illness is not an inability. Some were trained by basic computer skills and got certificates,” she said.