Online Reporter
Patience Ndlovu
MATABELELAND North province has launched its provincial drug and substance abuse fundraising campaign as part of the country’s wider efforts to curb the worsening crisis.
The campaign, held at Harvest Village Children’s Home in Umguza District, is aligned with the National Resource Mobilisation initiative launched by President Mnangagwa last month.
The national initiative seeks to raise US$77 million to support Zimbabwe’s 2024–2030 National Drug and Substance Abuse Strategy, with each province expected to contribute US$30 000 towards the fund.
Speaking at the launch, the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Richard Moyo, who was represented by permanent secretary, Ms Sithandiwe Ncube, said the initiative reflected a united front in the fight against substance abuse, which has also taken root in Matabeleland North.
“This is a national emergency which knows no boundaries, realising incidences of substance abuse among our youth and the deaths, this initiative is to protect our families, it demands that we act together,” he said.
Minister Moyo urged stakeholders from across the province to participate actively in the fundraising, stressing the importance of safeguarding communities and building safer spaces for the next generation.
“I urge all of us to open our hearts, dig deep into our pockets, and contribute meaningfully to this cause. Together, we can build a nation free from the chains of drug dependency, a province where our youth strive,” he said.
When launching the initiative, President Mnangagwa noted that drug and substance abuse is not only a Zimbabwean problem but a global challenge, one that demands urgent and co-ordinated responses. He highlighted the devastating link between substance abuse and a range of social problems, including gender-based violence, school dropouts, suicides, mental health disorders and road traffic accidents.
To address this, the Government has put in place the 2024–2030 National Drug and Substance Abuse Strategy, anchored on seven key pillars: supply reduction, demand reduction, harm reduction, treatment, rehabilitation, legal frameworks, and community reintegration. The strategy is being spearheaded by the National Committee on Drug and Substance Abuse.
The event also saw the official opening of a four-bedroom house at Harvest Village Children’s Home, designed to provide safe accommodation for vulnerable children. The home has allocated two rooms for girls and the other two for boys.
Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Minister Edgar Moyo officially opened the facility, saying the initiative was a step towards protecting children from social ills linked to drug and substance abuse.
“We need more safe spaces where vulnerable groups can find shelter, protection, and hope for a better future and also create opportunities for counselling, education and rehabilitation, ensuring that children and youths are reintegrated into society with dignity,” he said.
Sidumisile Mabena