Peter Tanyanyiwa
Peter Tanyanyiwa
Herald Correspondent
RUWA’S Ward 7 Anti-Drug and Substance Abuse Awareness Campaign drew hundreds to Victory Park (Solomio) on Friday, November 7, in a determined stand against the rising tide of drug abuse among Zimbabwean youths.
The event, running from 8am to 3pm, was spearheaded by Zanu PF Councillor Charles Humbato and featured a broad coalition of political figures, law enforcement agents, schools and community organisations.
The campaign’s theme, “Better to build a child than to repair a man,” resonated throughout the day’s proceedings, stressing the urgent need for early intervention and community vigilance.
In his opening remarks, Councillor Charles Humbato explained the strategic timing of the annual event.
“We have deliberately chosen November for this anti-drug awareness campaign because this is precisely when our Grade 7 students have finished writing their national examinations and are home for the first time without the structured environment of school. These young people, aged 12 to 13, are at a critical transition point before entering secondary school in January. Research shows this is when they are most vulnerable to drug experimentation due to increased free time and reduced adult supervision. It’s better to build a child than to repair a man – that’s why we intervene now,” said Cllr Humbato.
Grade 7 pupils, having completed their exams in early October, face a long, unstructured break before starting Form 1. Evidence from national health and education authorities indicates that such periods are high-risk for drug initiation, making the campaign’s timing both strategic and necessary.
The event was graced by a host of dignitaries and community leaders, reflecting the seriousness with which the drug crisis is being addressed. Among the notable attendance from ZANU PF leadership was vibrant participation from local schools, with over 2,070 students registering for the occasion.
Distinguished guests from ZANU PF included Cde Golden Mujahwe, Central Committee Member; the Guest of Honour, Cde Kudzanayi Majuru, Vice Chairman of Mashonaland East Province; Provincial Member Cde Ben Chiwandire; Cde Asan Seremani, Vice Chairman of DCC Goromonzi; DCC members led by Cde Jay Mabasa; Violent Sumaidi from the Ministry of Youth in Goromonzi; District Chairman Cde Zaranyika; Busy Boys and Busy Girls Association members Cde Mukamba and Cde Nyanyiwa; Ward Development Committee members Cde F Kambuta, Cde Nyarugwe, and Cde Njukuya representing housing cooperatives; and Councillor Cde Dizha from Goromonzi Rural District Council.
The event also received a donation of T-shirts from Ruwa Local Board, represented by Town Secretary Mr. K.M. Madanhi.
The much-anticipated sporting finals showcased local talent, with Purple Patch Academy triumphing over Cliffs Secondary in girls’ soccer with a score of 3–0, and Purple Patch Academy defeating DN Academy in boys’ soccer, also with a score of 3–0.
Law enforcement played a central role, with the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) Ruwa’s CID Drugs and Narcotics division delivering a strong message of partnership and prevention. Detective Sergeant Calphen Foya stated:
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police stands firmly with communities like Ward 7 in the fight against drug and substance abuse. Our CID Drugs and Narcotics division is committed to not only enforcement but education and prevention. We cannot arrest our way out of this crisis – we must work hand-in-hand with parents, schools, and community leaders to protect our children before they fall victim to these destructive substances. Every child we save today is a family we keep intact tomorrow,” said Sergeant Calphen Foya.
The police presence reassured residents and reinforced the campaign’s message that combating drug abuse requires a united, multi-sectoral approach.
Testimonies from community members and presentations by the CID Drugs and Narcotics division highlighted the real-life impact of substance abuse and the importance of resilience and positive choices.
The event’s success was amplified by the active participation of local schools and youth groups, who used drama, poetry, and music to communicate the dangers of drug abuse in relatable terms.
Mr K.M. Madani was acknowledged for sponsoring t-shirts for participating children, fostering a sense of unity and pride among the youth.
Zimbabwe is grappling with a worsening drug and substance abuse crisis, with youth at the epicentre. National statistics show that over 57% of young people have engaged in substance abuse, and 80% of admissions at major mental health hospitals are for drug-induced psychosis, much of it among juveniles. The Government’s Multi-Sectoral Drug and Substance Abuse Plan (2024–2030) and community-driven initiatives like the Ward 7 campaign are critical in reversing these trends.
The Ward 7 Anti-Drug and Substance Abuse Awareness Campaign at Victory Park stands as a model of community-driven action, uniting political leaders, law enforcement, schools, and families in the fight to protect Zimbabwe’s youth. By targeting Grade 7 students at their most vulnerable, the campaign embodies the wisdom of its theme: “Better to build a child than to repair a man.”
The collaborative spirit and strategic timing of the Ward 7 campaign offer hope and a blueprint for other communities facing similar challenges. As Zimbabwe intensifies its fight against drug and substance abuse, such grassroots initiatives remain nation’s future.
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