Matabeleland South intensifies war against drug and substance abuse

Minister Albert Nguluvhe

MATABELELAND South Province has intensified its fight against drug and substance abuse, recording significant progress in law enforcement, rehabilitation and community engagement while calling on the private sector and other stakeholders to support efforts to eradicate the scourge.

In a statement, the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Matabeleland South, Albert Nguluvhe, said the province remains committed to implementing Government’s whole-of-society approach to tackling drug and substance abuse, which continues to threaten communities and hinder socio-economic development.

He said one of the major achievements was the successful implementation of support visits to Mangwe and Bulilima districts aimed at strengthening district coordination mechanisms, improving reporting systems, enhancing rehabilitation initiatives and promoting collaborative interventions.

“During the engagements, district drug and substance abuse structures were revitalised, while documentation, data collection systems and collaboration among Government departments, security agencies, development partners, churches and community stakeholders were strengthened. The visits also assessed surveillance mechanisms at Plumtree Border Post, with a focus on combating drug trafficking and other illegal cross-border activities,” said Minister Nguluvhe.

He said one of the key outcomes of the visits was the induction and re-orientation of district committees on their terms of reference and the National Multi-Sectoral Drug and Substance Abuse Plan (2024–2030), following the discovery that some district structures were not fully functional.

Minister Nguluvhe said traditional leaders were also engaged to assess how they were addressing drug and substance abuse challenges within their communities.

He said districts are now expected to work more closely with traditional leaders to strengthen community-based interventions and improve awareness campaigns aimed at preventing drug and substance abuse, particularly among young people.

The province continues to encourage the involvement of all sectors of society in combating drug and substance abuse, which remains one of the key social challenges affecting communities across the country.