Online Reporter
Fairness Moyana in Hwange
MATABELELAND North Province has raised US$120 000 towards the fight against drug and substance abuse in a bid to tackle the growing scourge that has devastated communities across the province and the country.
The fundraiser, which was held in Hwange last Friday, followed the national call to action by President Mnangagwa, who on 11 July 2025, launched the National Drug and Substance Response Resource Mobilisation Programme in Harare.
Speaking at the event, Minister of State for Matabeleland North Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Richard Moyo said the province was determined to complement the President’s vision of eradicating drug and substance abuse.
“This is a very important event, the Matabeleland North Drug and Substance Abuse Fundraising Programme held in the wake of a powerful national call to action by His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Dr Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa,” he said.
Minister Moyo applauded President Mnangagwa for his “unwavering commitment” to saving communities, particularly the youth, from the devastating effects of drug and substance abuse.
He described the campaign as a “wake-up call for urgent, coordinated and sustained action across all provinces”.
In a message delivered by Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Minister, Edgar Moyo, during the July launch, President Mnangagwa underscored the gravity of the crisis and outlined the Government’s multi-pronged approach.
“The establishment of the National Committee on Drug and Substance Abuse, guided by seven pillars, marks a decisive step in our national response,” he said.
“These pillars focus on supply, demand, harm reduction, treatment, rehabilitation, legal frameworks, community reintegration, and media strategies to ensure a holistic fight against this scourge.”
President Mnangagwa further noted the successes recorded in apprehending drug dealers and enforcing stricter laws, while urging law enforcement agencies to intensify their efforts.
“Leveraging on the recently gazetted Statutory Instrument, I expect our law enforcement agencies to net more perpetrators for possession, trading, and consumption of dangerous substances,” he said.
“Now that the emerging illicit brews such as twumba and musombodhiya are prohibited by law, while crystal meth (mutoriro or guka) is now properly placed under the Dangerous Drugs Act, stiffer penalties should be imposed on offenders. All Government arms must expedite conclusion of the Bill establishing the Drug Enforcement Agency.”
He also highlighted the operationalisation of three rehabilitation centres across the country and the plan to establish 67 more facilities, driven by strong collaboration between Government and private sector stakeholders.
The Government has already allocated ZWG865 million to support the programme and has called upon individuals, corporations, and development partners to play a critical role through donations and partnerships.
Minister Moyo said the Matabeleland North fundraising event was not only about raising money but also about strengthening partnerships and building awareness within communities.
“Drug and substance abuse is a national emergency that knows no boundaries. Here in Matabeleland North, we have not been spared,” he said.
“The rising incidences of substance abuse among our youth, the breakdown of families, increased crime and mental health challenges demand that we act now and act together.”
President Mnangagwa has emphasised the importance of collective responsibility, urging families, communities, and faith leaders to take an active role in prevention, rehabilitation and reintegration of survivors.
This fight demands unity, resilience, and compassion and together, Zimbabwean can defeat this menace and secure a brighter, drug-free future for our youth.
Proceeds from the Matabeleland North fundraiser will go towards rehabilitation initiatives, awareness campaigns, and community empowerment projects, with particular focus on youth-driven solutions and early intervention programmes.
