Online Reporter
Thupeyo Muleya, [email protected]
THREE reformed drug addicts have embarked on a gruelling 600km walk from Beitbridge to Harare to raise awareness about drug and substance abuse and mobilise support for the construction of a free rehabilitation centre.
The walkathon, organised by Heal Us Zimbabwe under the theme “Together We Rise, United We Heal”, was officially flagged off in Beitbridge last week. The campaign has also received Government backing, with communities being urged to take a united stand against a problem that continues to affect many young people across the country.
Columbus Mushore, Kudakwashe Mafuta and Terrence Shenje will spend 23 days on the road, walking about 25km daily as they make their way to Harare. Along the route, they will engage communities, learners and other stakeholders on the dangers of drug and substance abuse.
Besides raising awareness, the trio hopes to mobilise resources for the establishment of a rehabilitation centre that will provide free services to people battling addiction. They also aim to encourage greater community involvement in efforts to curb drug and substance abuse.
Speaking at the official send-off ceremony, Matabeleland South Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Albert Nguluvhe said the fight against drug and substance abuse had become more important than ever.
He described the scourge as one of the biggest threats facing communities, particularly young people.
“It is a great honour and privilege for me to join you today as we officially send off the participants of the 3rd Edition of the Drug and Substance Abuse Awareness Walkathon Campaign,” the Minister said.
Nguluvhe said he was encouraged to see the initiative growing after witnessing a similar campaign last year.
“Through this walkathon, you are not only covering kilometres from Beitbridge to Harare, but you are also carrying a powerful message of hope, healing, and transformation to every community you encounter along the way,” said the Minister.
He said awareness remained one of the most effective ways of preventing drug and substance abuse, noting that many young people fall into addiction because of peer pressure, unemployment and a lack of understanding about the long-term effects of drug use.
“When communities are informed, families can intervene early. Schools can teach prevention. Churches can offer counselling. And young people can make better choices for their future,” said the Minister.
Nguluvhe said the theme of the walkathon reflects the need for collective action in tackling the problem.
He said families, communities, Government institutions, churches, schools, the private sector and young people themselves all have a role to play in building a society free from the devastating effects of substance abuse.
The Minister also praised the three walkers for using their personal experiences to help others avoid the dangers of addiction.
“To the participants embarking on this journey, I applaud your courage, dedication, and passion. You are ambassadors of change. As you walk, remember that every step you take represents a life that can be saved, a family that can be restored, and a future that can be protected,” said Minister Nguluvhe.
He said the walkathon was about more than simply covering long distances, as it creates opportunities for open discussions in schools, marketplaces and communities where drug abuse is often hidden.
Nguluvhe reaffirmed Government’s commitment to supporting awareness, prevention, rehabilitation and recovery programmes, while acknowledging the contribution of civic organisations such as Heal Us Zimbabwe.
“As the Government, we remain committed to supporting initiatives that promote awareness, prevention, rehabilitation, and recovery. We recognise the critical role that organisations such as Heal Us Zimbabwe play in complementing national efforts to address drug and substance abuse,” he said.
The Minister also appealed to the public, businesses and development partners to support the campaign and contribute towards creating healthier and safer communities.
“I encourage members of the public, stakeholders, and development partners to support this campaign and join hands in creating healthier and safer communities for future generations. To the participants, may your message reach every corner of our nation and inspire positive change. Let us continue to stand together because when we work together, we rise together, and when we support one another, we heal together,” said the Minister.THREE reformed drug addicts have embarked on a gruelling 600km walk from Beitbridge to Harare to raise awareness about drug and substance abuse and mobilise support for the construction of a free rehabilitation centre.
The walkathon, organised by Heal Us Zimbabwe under the theme “Together We Rise, United We Heal”, was officially flagged off in Beitbridge last week. The campaign has also received Government backing, with communities being urged to take a united stand against a problem that continues to affect many young people across the country.
Columbus Mushore, Kudakwashe Mafuta and Terrence Shenje will spend 23 days on the road, walking about 25km daily as they make their way to Harare. Along the route, they will engage communities, learners and other stakeholders on the dangers of drug and substance abuse.
Besides raising awareness, the trio hopes to mobilise resources for the establishment of a rehabilitation centre that will provide free services to people battling addiction. They also aim to encourage greater community involvement in efforts to curb drug and substance abuse.
Speaking at the official send-off ceremony, Matabeleland South Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Albert Nguluvhe said the fight against drug and substance abuse had become more important than ever.
He described the scourge as one of the biggest threats facing communities, particularly young people.
“It is a great honour and privilege for me to join you today as we officially send off the participants of the 3rd Edition of the Drug and Substance Abuse Awareness Walkathon Campaign,” the Minister said.
Nguluvhe said he was encouraged to see the initiative growing after witnessing a similar campaign last year.
“Through this walkathon, you are not only covering kilometres from Beitbridge to Harare, but you are also carrying a powerful message of hope, healing, and transformation to every community you encounter along the way,” said the Minister.
He said awareness remained one of the most effective ways of preventing drug and substance abuse, noting that many young people fall into addiction because of peer pressure, unemployment and a lack of understanding about the long-term effects of drug use.
“When communities are informed, families can intervene early. Schools can teach prevention. Churches can offer counselling. And young people can make better choices for their future,” said the Minister.
Nguluvhe said the theme of the walkathon reflects the need for collective action in tackling the problem.
He said families, communities, Government institutions, churches, schools, the private sector and young people themselves all have a role to play in building a society free from the devastating effects of substance abuse.
The Minister also praised the three walkers for using their personal experiences to help others avoid the dangers of addiction.
“To the participants embarking on this journey, I applaud your courage, dedication, and passion. You are ambassadors of change. As you walk, remember that every step you take represents a life that can be saved, a family that can be restored, and a future that can be protected,” said Minister Nguluvhe.
He said the walkathon was about more than simply covering long distances, as it creates opportunities for open discussions in schools, marketplaces and communities where drug abuse is often hidden.
Nguluvhe reaffirmed Government’s commitment to supporting awareness, prevention, rehabilitation and recovery programmes, while acknowledging the contribution of civic organisations such as Heal Us Zimbabwe.
“As the Government, we remain committed to supporting initiatives that promote awareness, prevention, rehabilitation, and recovery. We recognise the critical role that organisations such as Heal Us Zimbabwe play in complementing national efforts to address drug and substance abuse,” he said.
The Minister also appealed to the public, businesses and development partners to support the campaign and contribute towards creating healthier and safer communities.
“I encourage members of the public, stakeholders, and development partners to support this campaign and join hands in creating healthier and safer communities for future generations. To the participants, may your message reach every corner of our nation and inspire positive change. Let us continue to stand together because when we work together, we rise together, and when we support one another, we heal together,” said the Minister.
