Online Reporter
Danisa Masuku
CHURCHES have been called to the frontline in Zimbabwe’s war against drug and substance abuse, as the crisis tightens its grip on communities, youth and even churchgoers.
Archbishop Dr Rocky Moyo, President of the Council of Churches in Africa (CCA), has urged church leaders across the country to step up and actively fight the drug menace in partnership with the Government.
“Drug dealers live among us. Their customers are our sons and daughters. Some of them come to church every Sunday,” warned Archbishop Moyo.
Speaking in Bulawayo, the fiery Archbishop said CCA churches had already rolled out targeted anti-drug programmes in their congregations. These include age-specific awareness sessions for adults, young adults, youths and teens, as well as guest talks from addiction experts.
“We do not just preach. We take the message into the streets and into the communities,” said Moyo.
The CCA has gone beyond the pulpit, hosting sports tournaments in high-risk wards across Bulawayo to educate residents about the dangers of drugs. They are also engaging artisanal miners and commercial sex workers in mining towns and border areas where drug abuse is rampant.
“We also work with students in colleges and universities who serve as peer educators. Some of them were once addicts and have powerful testimonies. Those needing help are referred to rehabilitation centres,” he added.
Bulawayo police spokesperson Inspector Nomalanga Msebele echoed the call during a recent guest lecture at Nguboyenja Brethren in Christ Church.
“Parents need to wake up. They must watch their children closely, check their bags, their bedrooms, and know who their friends are. Learn the street names for drugs and stay alert,” said Msebele.
As the drug crisis continues to destroy families and futures, the message is loud and clear: churches can no longer stand on the sidelines.
