Online Reporter
Blessings Chidakwa in MASVINGO
MASVINGO Province has mobilised resources to establish a drug rehabilitation centre inspired by First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa’s Angel of Hope Drug Rehabilitation facility in Mbare, becoming the first province to fully commit to setting up such a facility.
The development followed a successful fundraising initiative held in Masvingo yesterday, which brought together businesspeople, farmers, traditional leaders, churches, civic organisations and community members.
The initiative was organised at the invitation of the Masvingo business community and farmers, who sought to engage the First Lady on her rehabilitation model as stakeholders intensify responses to drug and substance abuse among young people.
Stakeholders said the success of the Angel of Hope Drug Rehabilitation Centre in Mbare had demonstrated the effectiveness of coordinated community-based interventions, prompting Masvingo to replicate the model.
The fundraising drive resulted in significant commitments, with Masvingo City Council availing land in Mucheke suburb for the proposed facility. Building materials were pledged through cash and in-kind contributions, while a five-hectare plot was also set aside for food production to support the centre.
Commissioner Stanley Kondongwe thanking First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa for leading Masvingo Province’s fundraising campaign for the construction of a Drug Rehabilitation Centre.
A new pickup truck was donated, alongside additional cash contributions from across the province to support construction and future operations.
The strong response makes Masvingo the first province to mobilise resources towards establishing a dedicated drug rehabilitation centre under the First Lady’s model.
Dr Mnangagwa commended the province for taking ownership of the fight against drug and substance abuse and for demonstrating a shared commitment to safeguarding the future of young people.
“The proposed Masvingo Rehabilitation Centre will provide a safe environment for treatment, counselling, skills development and reintegration into society. It will offer hope to families who have struggled for years to access affordable rehabilitation services,” she said.
“The centre will complement national efforts to ensure that no child or young person is left suffering with addiction. Allow me to express my sincere gratitude to all stakeholders, sponsors, partners, and well-wishers who have responded positively to this noble cause.”
Dr Mnangagwa said the stakeholders presence demonstrates collective commitment to protecting the future of the nation as under the leadership of the President, Dr Mnangagwa, in April 2024, the Cabinet approved the Zimbabwe Multi-Sectoral Drug and Substance Abuse Plan (2024–2030).
She said the plan provides strategic direction to the nation’s response to the drug and substance abuse challenge and ensures that all communities, families and individuals are fully supported as the country moves towards a vision 2030, leaving no one and no place behind.
“Together, we can build a centre that restores dignity, renews hope and creates productive citizens. Let us envision a Masvingo province where young people are empowered, healthy and free from the scourge of drugs. Let us become champions of prevention, rehabilitation and reintegration.
Former cabinet minister Dzikamai Mavhaire announces a pledge of five hectares for food production for the proposed Masvingo Drug Rehabilitation Centre during fundraising programme.
“Together, we can create stronger families, safer communities and a brighter future for Zimbabwe. I thank you all for your commitment, generosity and patriotism. May today’s fundraising programme mark the beginning of a transformative journey for countless families in Masvingo province,” she said.
Dr Mnangagwa added: “Let us unite in giving hope, restoring life and building a drug-free Zimbabwe. Together, we can rehabilitate, restore and reintegrate our young people for the prosperity of our nation.”
The First Lady also took the delegates through the full process of setting up the rehabilitation centre, including the selection of trainers and health personnel, as well as the recruitment process for inmates.
She further outlined daily routines such as assigned chores, the expected diet, training programmes, counselling sessions, among other key aspects of rehabilitation management.
After the fundraising, Dr Mnangagwa was taken through a tour of the proposed site where she appreciated the area and plan for the new rehabilitation centre set now ready to commence.
During an interactive session with First Lady, business leaders, farmers and other partners pledged to continue mobilising resources and working with relevant institutions to ensure the project is successfully implemented.
Community members expressed confidence that the proposed rehabilitation centre would significantly strengthen support systems for victims of drug and substance abuse.
While also reduce the social and economic costs associated with addiction and contribute to the development of healthier, safer and more productive communities.
A beneficiary of First Lady’s widows empowerment programme, Ms Muganji expressed gratitude for her continued support of vulnerable groups and for ensuring that they are included in development initiatives, pledging their support for the rehab.
Ms Muganji, a beneficiary of First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa’s Widows Empowerment Programme, announces a pledge by widows to provide cooking utensils for the proposed Drug Rehabilitation Centre during Masvingo Province’s fundraising campaign.
Ms Muganji said widows in Masvingo have been uplifted through the First Lady’s empowerment initiatives, which have restored their dignity and given them renewed hope for a better future hence compelled to support her.
“In support of the proposed rehabilitation centre, as widows across the province will contribute plates, pots and other kitchen utensils to help equip and support its operations,” she said.
Another woman said the First Lady’s programmes have brought visible development, citing initiatives such as the Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa Children’s Home in Chiredzi saying many women feel encouraged by the continued expansion of such programmes across the country.
She added that the initiatives demonstrate care for families in times of need as they reflect a sense of national concern rather than individual interest.
“None of the programmes initiated under the First Lady’s leadership has failed, but instead they have continued to grow and positively impact communities,” she said.
The fundraising demonstrates the province’s determination to complement national efforts in the fight against drug and substance abuse while bringing rehabilitation services closer to affected communities.
Minister of State for Masvingo Provincial Affairs and Devolution Ezra Chadzamira said Masvingo had become the first province in the country to mobilise resources towards the construction of a drug rehabilitation centre.
“As Masvingo Province, we are proud to be the first province to embark on the construction of a rehabilitation centre inspired by the First Lady’s vision. We are fully committed to ensuring that this project becomes a reality,” he said.
Minister Chadzamira said the First Lady’s anti-drug and substance abuse campaign was supporting a national programme launched by President Mnangagwa to combat a scourge that threatens the country’s social and economic development.
“All our development efforts can be undermined if we do not address the challenge of drug and substance abuse. The First Lady has taken a leading role in protecting communities and restoring hope to affected families,” he said.
Minister Chadzamira also announced that a dedicated bank account had been opened to ensure transparency and accountability in the management of funds.
“The account will be subject to proper monitoring and oversight so that every contribution is accounted for. This is being done to safeguard the integrity of the project and maintain the trust that the First Lady and our stakeholders have placed in us,” he said.
Minister Chadzamira said the province would continue working closely with the First Lady in advancing programmes that promote unity, peace and development.
Detective Constable Patrice Tikitiki of the Drugs and Narcotics Unit gave an overview of the dire situation in the province, saying from January to June at least 690kg of marijuana, 8 618 bottles of 100ml Broncleer cough syrup and 100g of crystal meth have been seized while culprits arrested.
He said 318 suspects aged between 18 and 35 years and 97 aged above 35 have been arrested for drug-related offences during the period.
Detective Constable Tikitiki while commending the courts for supporting the fight against drug trafficking through deterrent sentences in the province said there was now a clampdown on illegal drugs dealers as the vehicles used to transport drugs are now liable to forfeiture to the State upon conviction.
He attributed the trend to the province’s strategic location, which makes it a transit route for drugs from and to cities as Harare, Bulawayo, Mutare and Beitbridge Town.
Masvingo Provincial Medical Director Dr Amadeus Shamhu described drug and substance abuse as a growing public health crisis affecting communities, particularly young and economically productive age groups, and acknowledged that the province is also contributing to the challenge.
He highlighted strengthened national response measures, including improved availability of medicines for mental health and substance use disorders at all levels of the health system, as well as the historic recruitment of social workers and clinical psychologists to enhance treatment, rehabilitation and reintegration services.
Dr Shamhu further reported 311 drug-related admissions recorded from January to May 2026 at Ngomahuru mental health institution, up from 296 during the same period last year, noting that the figures likely represent only a fraction of cases in the wider community.
Chief Nyajena has expressed strong support for ongoing efforts to combat drug and substance abuse, saying the initiative being advanced will make a meaningful difference in communities.
Chief Nyajena expresses gratitude to the First Lady for her leadership role in spearheading the construction of the Masvingo Province Drug Rehabilitation Centre and advancing community development initiatives in the province.
He said there is nothing productive about leading communities affected by substance abuse, adding that sustainable development can only be achieved when people are free from drugs and alcohol.
The traditional leader further said that through Zunde raMambo, they will also support affected communities by providing food assistance as part of broader community support efforts aimed at strengthening social welfare and resilience.
The Angel of Hope Drug Rehabilitation Centre in Mbare had become a model of hope and recovery, helping many individuals reclaim their lives and reintegrate into society as productive citizens.
The success of the centre, has demonstrated that coordinated community-driven interventions can produce lasting results, prompting the province to pursue the establishment of a rehabilitation facility that caters for local needs while complementing national efforts.
Also the First Lady’s hands-on approach and unwavering commitment to protecting vulnerable groups continues to inspire them to take practical action within their own communities.
The fundraising drive comes as communities across the country intensify efforts to combat drug and substance abuse, with increasing recognition that prevention, treatment and rehabilitation are critical pillars in addressing the scourge.
