Online Reporter
Remember Deketeke
Herald Reporter
The Government has called for urgent action to address mental health and substance abuse issues among children and youth, highlighting the threat these challenges pose to the nation’s future.
Speaking at the Guta RaMwari convention in Harare yesterday, Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Minister Senator Monica Mutsvangwa stressed the need for collective efforts to tackle the crisis.
Minister Mutsvangwa expressed deep concern over the increasing number of youths engaging in drug and substance abuse, which she said jeopardises their education, health, and long-term prospects.
“Mental health must be prioritised, especially among children. We are now witnessing an alarming number of young people falling into drug and substance abuse, putting their lives and futures at serious risk.”
She urged families, schools, churches, and communities to strengthen early intervention strategies and provide psychosocial support to vulnerable children and teenagers.
The minister also stressed the critical role of education in breaking the cycle of poverty and inequality, with a special focus on the challenges faced by girls.
“We must continue to promote education for all children, particularly the girl child, who still faces numerous social and economic barriers. Education is the most powerful tool to fight poverty, build confidence and empower women to shape Zimbabwe’s future,” she said.
In addition to mental health and education, Minister Mutsvangwa highlighted the importance of supporting women in small and medium enterprises (SMEs) by enhancing their digital skills and access to innovation.
“Let us empower women in business and help them adapt to digital advancements. This will drive income generation, self-sufficiency and broader economic growth,” she said.
Speaking at the same event, Guta RaMwari leader, Mr Ngaite Jefris Zimunya, emphasised the church’s role in combating societal ills such as drug abuse through moral guidance and community support.
“The church remains a pillar in addressing challenges like substance abuse. Our teachings promote discipline, resilience and a strong moral foundation,” he said.
Retired Major General Charles Tarumbwa, the church’s Harare provincial leader, echoed these sentiments, underscoring the importance of Government-church collaboration in fostering national development.
“The partnership between the Government and the church is vital. Together, we can promote unity, peace and shared values that uplift our communities,” he said.
The Guta RaMwari convention, which drew congregants from across Zimbabwe, focused on spiritual renewal, youth empowerment and social responsibility. The discussions reinforced the need for a multi-stakeholder approach to tackle the nation’s pressing challenges.
The Government is taking measures such as expanding mental health services for youth and strengthening educational access, particularly for girls to combat the drug abuse scourge.
Apart from that boosting women’s economic participation through small to medium enterprises support is another intervention that is critical is tackling the vice.
Enhancing partnerships between Government, faith groups and communities to foster sustainable development is also fundamental to confronting challenges wrought by drug abuse.
