Online Reporter
Herald Reporter
HARARE Metropolitan Province has launched the Provincial Resource Mobilisation Programme against drug and substance abuse as Government steps up efforts to combat the scourge.
Speaking at the event at a city hotel last night, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Jenfan Muswere, who was guest of honour, challenged everyone to participate in the fight against drug and substance abuse.
Yesterday’s event follows the launch of the Zimbabwe National Resources Mobilisation Programme by President Mnangagwa in July this year at State House. which resulted in the programme being decentralised to provincial, district and ward level.
In his address, Dr Muswere said it was the responsibility of every citizen to fight drug and substance abuse, consistent with Government policy that a nation is built by it’s own people.
“The National Philosophy that ‘Nyika Inovakwa Nevene Vayo’ is an opportunity for you to contribute towards the destruction of the drug abuse crime,” said Dr Muswere.
He said the National Drug and Substance Abuse Plan (2024 to 2030) had seven cardinal pillars, which include demand and supply reduction, community integration and resource mobilisation among others.
“The most important pillar is resource mobilisation which is what has brought us here. Before the end of October 2025, we should raise enough funding to fight the scourge of drug and substance abuse,” said Dr Muswere.
“The President decentralised the fundraising activities in order for us to be able to build infrastructure to fight the scourge.”
He said the Government has embarked on an aggressive drug and substance campaign and has since constituted a Ministerial Taskforce chaired by Defence Minister Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri which oversees intervention measures at national level.
The Committee has since been devolved downwards to Provincial, District and ward level.
Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution responsible for Harare Province, Charles Tawengwa, said everyone was a team player in the fight against drug and substance abuse.
“We always celebrate when a goal has been scored. Everyone should contribute to that goal. Let us be team players,” said Minister Tawengwa.
There were several pledges in cash and kind towards the fight against drug and substance abuse from companies and individuals with the major highlight being that of Premier Soccer League team Scottland which pledged a whopping US$52 000.
The event was also attended by Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Deputy Minister, Dr Omphile Marupi, Harare Mayor, Councillor Jacob Mafume, local authorities, captains of industry among others.
