Chronicle Editor
Fairness Moyana in Hwange
A LOCAL church organisation, Faith in God Ministries, has rallied the business community in Matabeleland North to combine efforts to fight drug abuse across the country.
As part of efforts to escalate public awareness, the church recently organised a dinner programme with business leaders as part of preparations for the hosting of the Matabeleland North Mega Festival.
The annual festival, which is slated to run from 26-29 September at the FIG World of Winners Conference Centre in Hwange, will feature a star-studded cast in the form of Misheck Mahendere, Jonah Chivasa, South African based gospel sensation, Mark Sathekge supported by Mamelodi CRM Praise. Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution in Matabeleland North province, Cde Richard Moyo, is expected to officiate at the event.
In an interview of the sidelines of the event, programme overseer Mr Emmanuel Hove said companies play a crucial role as influencers in development issues.
“The dinner is meant to partner with the business community in creating awareness on the dangers of drug and substance abuse. I’m excited to be hosting our marketplace leaders for coming to support the vision that we have as a church,” he said. “We appeal to you the corporates to come and support the vision that the President is also advocating for, the fight against drugs, which have claimed many of our youths. You are the people who are influencers in the community, creating job opportunities and adding value to society,” said Mr Hove.
He called for networking between the business community and church in enhancing the fight to end drug abuse, arguing that a holistic approach was needed to tackle the menace.
“There are alarming cases of drug abuse amongst our youths in Hwange. As a church we also need your help as market leaders and business people. I’m excited about your participation tonight and eagerness to support the mega festival where we will be holding campaigns throughout the province.
“This festival touches on three aspects, which include the faith aspect where as a church, the word is being preached daily. So, we are inviting the business world to network and also talk to our youngsters to inspire them.”
Captains of industry of companies and local authorities such as Nyaradzo Group, Simbisa Brands, Jet Stores, Duly Hotel, Dinson Colliery, Zambezi Gas, Trade Investments, Hwange Rural District Council and Hwange Local Board amongst others made personal pledges of varying amounts of money towards the hosting of the event.
A ‘Say no to drug and substance abuse’ campaign trail will traverse across the province creating awareness on the dangers of drug and substance abuse. The commonly abused drugs in the province are marijuana, Broncleer, spirits and Crystal meth while skin lightening creams are substances widely used after being smuggled into the country from Zambia.
Mr Hove said plans to construct a vocational training centre for skills development as part of efforts to keep the youth busy and avoid abusing drugs were at an advanced stage with a school for culinary arts already enrolling students.
“Now as a church we are planning to build a training centre for our youth to give the life skills. An idle mind is the devil’s workshop, so this will also serve to dissuade our young people from resorting to drug abuse,” he said.
“The need to establish something like this is coming out of the realization that Hwange hosts the world’s prime tourism activities such as hospitality but we don’t have a training institution for our young people. The institution is designed to ensure that no-one is left behind, as we will train half of students from vulnerable households for free.”
Online Reporter