Online Reporter
Hello everyone.
Welcome to our live coverage of the drug and substance abuse resource mobilisation meeting, presided over by President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
Today, we gather to address a pressing issue affecting our communities and the nation at large.
Chaired by the Minister of Local Government and Public Works, the Resource Mobilisation Pillar is dedicated to gathering essential resources—financial support, human capital, infrastructure, and services—to bolster our efforts against the rising tide of drug and substance abuse.
Recognising the scale of this challenge, we are adopting a whole-of-Government and whole-of-society approach, fostering collaboration and solidarity across all sectors.
Stay tuned as our Reporter Wallace Ruzvidzo brings you live updates from this vital meeting.
President arrives for resource mobilisation meeting
President Mnangagwa has arrived at State House in Harare to preside over the drug and substance abuse resource mobilisation meeting.
President Mnangagwa
This gathering comes at a critical time as the nation grapples with an escalating crisis that affects individuals, families, and communities across Zimbabwe.
The meeting aims to bring together key stakeholders from various sectors, including Government officials, community leaders, and health experts, to discuss strategies for mobilising essential resources.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa has consistently demonstrated his commitment to combating drug and substance abuse in Zimbabwe.
His presence at the drug and substance abuse resource mobilisation meeting is a testament to his dedication to addressing this urgent national crisis.
31 000 nabbed for drug offences: Minister Kazembe
In his remarks while introducing the President, Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Minister Kazembe Kazembe said resource mobilisation is an urgent need in the fight against drug and substance abuse.
Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Minister Kazembe Kazembe
“A needs assessment was conducted and it pointed to the need to mobilise resources,” he said.
The minister said over 31 000 drug offenders have been nabbed since the President launched the drug and substance abuse plan last year.
President declares zero tolerance to drugs
President Mnangagwa has taken to the podium.
He began his remarks by stressing the importance of successfully combating drug and substance abuse.
President Mnangagwa
The President reaffirmed the Second Republic’s zero tolerance to the menace.
“The health and well-being of our citizens, particularly the youth, is not only vital but guarantees the transformational growth and strength for the sustainability of our nation,” he said.
The President noted that drug and substance abuse is not only affecting Zimbabwe but is a global menace.
“This growing public health social ill and security concern is not unique to our jurisdiction but other parts of the world,” he said.
Zimbabwe, said President Mnangagwa, is registering progress in combating the deadly vice.
“Today we continue to score noteworthy successes in the fight against drug and substance abuse,” he said.
The President then called on law enforcement agencies to tighten the noose on drug peddlers.
Private sector, churches involved in resource mobilisation
Local Government and Public Works Minister Dr Daniel Garwe announced that many Zimbabweans have committed to mobilising resources for the fight against drug abuse.
Local Government and Public Works Minister Dr Daniel Garwe
Among those currently active in resource mobilisation are the mining sector, Delta, faith-based organisations, the United Nations, the Association of Rehabilitation Centres and the Traditional Leaders Support Services.
The UN has so far mobilised US$1,5 billion across the world.
Dr Muswere applauds efforts in fighting drug abuse
In giving the closing remarks, the Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Dr Jenfan Muswere said resource mobilisation is key.
Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Dr Jenfan Muswere
“I want to thank all participants for ensuring that awareness is raised as we fight against the menace,” he said.
Bongani Moyo