Online Reporter
Blessings Chidakwa
Herald Reporter
Members of Parliament from across the political divide have hailed the state-of-the-art rehabilitation facility that was established by First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa, describing it as a sanctuary of hope.
What they witnessed was not merely a centre for recovery, but a sanctuary where broken lives are being pieced back together with compassion, discipline and purpose.
From the moment they stepped through the centre’s gates, there was a sense of serenity and structure, starkly contrasting with the turmoil many of its young residents have faced due to drug abuse.
With neatly kept surroundings, comfortable bedrooms, modern ablution facilities and spacious training grounds, the Angel of Hope Drug Rehabilitation Centre has become a national model of how to tackle the drug menace with dignity and compassion.
This is a place where healing feels not just possible, but inevitable.
During the tour last Friday, the Health Portfolio Committee, led by Dr Thokozani Khupe, got to witness not only the infrastructure but also the lived realities of the recovering youths.
Some were already finding their smiles again, some were focused during counselling sessions and others were energetically participating in structured physical exercises designed to cleanse the body and mind.
Dr Khupe was visibly moved, saying the centre has came at the right time, and thanked the First Lady for the extraordinary initiative.
“We appreciate the work being done by our First Lady. She has proven beyond reasonable doubt that she is truly the mother of the nation,” she said.
Speaking directly to the young people, Dr Khupe encouraged them to remain committed to their healing journeys:
“I hope and trust that you will focus on your studies, your training, and on leaving behind the negative behaviours you were previously engaged in. We want a responsible youth.”
Dr Khupe also urged the drug abuse victims to remain focused.
“You must dedicate yourself to your training. Make sure you stay focused. We know that the youth are our future.
“We want responsible young people who will help build this nation, because it is you, the youth, who will shape its future.
“We are encouraged by the work being done here,” she said.
Adding his voice, legislator Mr Thomas Muwodzeri described the establishment of the centre as a major milestone in Zimbabwe’s fight against drugs.
MP Muwodzeri said this is not just about recovery, but about building resilient futures.
“As Members of Parliament, our deepest appreciation goes to our First Lady. We have visited this place and are quite pleased with what we saw. We will do our best to offer support wherever necessary.
“Her work is extensive, but we are truly grateful for it,” he said.
Another legislator, Mrs Beatrice Nyamupinga, thanked the First Lady for the brilliant initiative, which has transformed lives.
The centre, located at the iconic Stodart Arena, can accommodate up to 200 patients at a time.
It offers a holistic recovery model, combining medical treatment, psychosocial support, basic education, vocational training, counselling, and physical fitness.
Each element is carefully structured to not only detox the body, but also empower the mind and spirit.
One of the standout features is the centre’s emphasis on reintegration, ensuring that once patients complete the programme, they return to their communities not as outcasts, but as restored and empowered individuals.
The visit by the MPs also served as a rallying call to all stakeholders that combating the drug scourge requires unity, investment and compassion.
As the sun set over the centre, the message from the visiting parliamentarians was clear: behind these walls, real work is happening, lives are being mended, and most importantly, hope is being restored.
