Online Reporter
Peter Matika, [email protected]
MATABELELAND North has launched a full-scale campaign against drug and substance abuse following deeply troubling revelations that an eight-year-old child — now undergoing rehabilitation — had become addicted to drugs.
This disturbing case has jolted authorities into action and sparked national debate on the urgency of confronting the scourge, particularly among children and other vulnerable groups.
Matabeleland North Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Richard Moyo, described the crisis as one of the gravest threats to Zimbabwe’s future and the realisation of Vision 2030.
“All these developmental efforts are under siege from a looming war on drug and substance abuse. Contrary to the belief that it only affects the unemployed, evidence shows that professionals — including doctors, nurses, lawyers, teachers, pastors and even law enforcement officers — are also falling victim,” he said.
Minister Moyo emphasised that no household is immune, with addiction cutting across urban centres, growth points, rural communities, mining towns and farming districts.
He expressed alarm at the fact that 60 percent of patients admitted to mental health institutions are battling drug-related disorders.
“As we move towards Vision 2030, we cannot afford to have a portion of our productive population incapacitated by drugs,” he said, warning that the “drug economy” often overlaps with other criminal activities such as arms trafficking and terrorism.
Drug and substance abuse has become a pressing social challenge in Zimbabwe, with young people increasingly exposed to cheap and harmful substances such as crystal meth (“mutoriro”), cough syrups and home-brewed alcohol. Authorities have linked this trend to poverty, unemployment, lack of education and limited access to mental health services.
In response, the Government launched the National Drug Master Plan (2020–2025), and President Mnangagwa has declared a zero-tolerance policy on drugs. Law enforcement agencies have been instructed to intensify crackdowns on drug suppliers, while rehabilitation and prevention programmes are being scaled up across the country.
Minister Moyo said Matabeleland North will ramp up awareness campaigns, with police, social workers, traditional leaders and churches working together to educate communities. He stressed that prevention must be coupled with robust support systems for individuals already battling addiction.
“The fact that a mere child had to be placed in rehab underscores the dire circumstances families are facing.
“We need parents and guardians to be empowered to recognise the early signs of drug abuse. Communities must unite to create safe spaces where victims can seek help without stigma,” he said.
Minister Moyo said that reversing the trend requires a “whole-of-society” approach, with families, community leaders, schools, law enforcement and Government all working in concert.
“With continued dedication and collaboration, Matabeleland North can forge a path towards healing and recovery. This is an opportunity for us to build a future where drugs no longer destroy lives,” he said.
