Online Reporter
Victor Maphosa
Mashonaland East Bureau
MASHONALAND East Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Advocate Itayi Ndudzo has called for stronger collaboration among Government institutions, communities and stakeholders to intensify the fight against drug and substance abuse across the province and the country.
The minister made the remarks in a speech read on his behalf by the Director of Finance, Administration and Human Resources in the Office of the President and Cabinet for Mashonaland East Province, Mr Douglas Dzukwa, during a Drug and Substance Abuse Training of Trainers workshop held at the Ruwa Rehabilitation Centre today.
The workshop brought together members of district sub-committees from across Mashonaland East, who are responsible for implementing strategies to combat drug trafficking and substance abuse in their respective communities.
Advocate Ndudzo said the fight against drug and substance abuse requires a coordinated and united approach involving all sectors of society.
He said empowering district structures with the necessary knowledge and skills was critical to ensuring effective implementation of programmes aimed at preventing drug abuse and supporting affected communities.
The objective of the training workshop is to equip district sub-committee members with critical knowledge and practical skills that they will cascade to communities throughout the province to strengthen the fight against drug and substance abuse.
“It is an honour to stand before you today at this pivotal training workshop dedicated to combating the pressing issue of drug and substance abuse in Mashonaland East Province and Zimbabwe at large,” he said.
“This initiative, inspired by President Mnangagwa during the National Launch, reflects our collective commitment to a healthier and more prosperous community.
“Drug and substance abuse is not just a personal battle; it is a widespread menace that threatens the very fabric of our society.
“It does us the disservice of eroding our cultural norms and consequently impedes our social and economic development.
“We have witnessed the heartbreaking consequences: families torn apart, lives ruined, and communities left vulnerable. It is our collective responsibility to address this crisis head-on.”
He challenged participants to use the knowledge they will acquire today to fight drug and substance abuse.
“Today, you come to this training not just to acknowledge the problem but to take decisive action,” he said.
“President Mnangagwa has declared a war on drug dealers and abusers, and this effort requires robust technical support.
“We must rally together- that is, Government officials, churches, traditional leaders and community members to build a strong district technical team for our fight against this scourge. I am confident that with the commitment of everyone present, we are going to be focused, be present to learn, and build a strong district team.
“Those coming from our nine districts, today is your opportunity to demonstrate that you stand in solidarity with this cause. Pay attention, be focused so that you won’t make mistakes in the fight against drug abuse.”
Going forward, Advocate Ndudzo said it is important to remember that through unity, Mashonaland East can be a drug and substance abuse-free province.
“As we move forward, let us remember that together, we can turn the tide against drug and substance abuse,” he said.
“Let us unite our efforts and make use of this training to create a safer, healthier Mashonaland East and, by extension, a stronger nation.”
