marble nkomo
Blessings Chidakwa, Senior Reporter
A WAVE of joy and appreciation swept through the Angel of Hope Drug Rehabilitation Centre in Mbare yesterday as families reunited with their loved ones undergoing recovery during the sixth intake’s emotional reunion.
The event was marked by tears of joy, laughter and warm embraces, as parents and guardians for the first time witnessed the remarkable progress of their children, who are now showing confidence, resilience and a renewed outlook on life.
Indeed, there was a stark contrast between the state in which parents and guardians left their children on the day of admission at the Angel of Hope Drug Rehabilitation Centre three weeks ago and how they saw them yesterday — confident, energetic, smart and jovial.
Even minors present at the gathering became visibly emotional, stepping forward to express heartfelt gratitude to the First Lady, Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa, for the second chance given to their loved ones, a moment that deeply moved many in attendance.
The occasion was made even more special as it coincided with the birthday of Angel of Hope Foundation Patron, the First Lady, adding a celebratory touch to the heartfelt gathering.
It was for all to see that the atmosphere was filled with gratitude as families welcomed members of the sixth intake, many of whom had once been consumed by drug addiction.
The reunions began with emotional apologies, as survivors among the most outstanding groups across the six intakes at the Angel of Hope Rehab knelt before their families, seeking forgiveness for the pain they had caused.
Some parents shed quiet tears, others wept openly, while a few expressed their happiness through song and dance.
During the reunions, survivors engaged their families through well-co-ordinated drills, poetry and musical performances, with one participant delivering a standout performance that captivated the audience.
In one of the poems sung in vernacular, which left the crowd in stitches, the lines say: “Angel of Hope, dai uri nzimbe ndaidya nemakanda, uri mango ndaidya nemhodzi, uri rwendo ndaifamba kusvika ndasvika, uri nyama ndaidya ndega.”
Families shared meals, exchanged stories and enjoyed light moments together, creating an environment that encouraged genuine reconnection.
One of the touching highlights was witnessed when Nelly Gwatidzo, a renowned evangelist from Apostolic Faith Mission in Zimbabwe, broke down in tears as she embraced her son, himself on a journey of transformation.
It was a moment that spoke louder than any sermon: the reality that drug and substance abuse does not respect of titles, callings or pulpits.
Even those who stand before congregations as men and women of God are not spared the pain when it reaches their own homes.
Back home, it has become a thorn in the flesh, quietly invading families, shaking foundations and giving a reminder that this crisis is not “out there” but right here among society.
Another emotive moment came when a seven-year-old and a 13-year-old approached the First Lady to thank her for the transformation they have seen in their loved ones.
Their simple gesture highlighted how deeply change is being felt at household level, with children themselves acknowledging the positive shift in their families.
One of the incidents that also left the crowd in admiration was when a wife arrived with a cake to surprise her husband on his birthday, expressing deep appreciation for the positive transformation she had witnessed.
In another deeply touching moment, a son was seen gently tending to his mother, carefully removing pimples from her face, a quiet yet powerful gesture that reflected restored love, care and a renewed bond between them.
For the young people in recovery, the gathering offered an opportunity to demonstrate their transformation — physically, healthier, emotionally stable and spiritually uplifted.
Mother Zimbabwe also took time to engage with parents and guardians, listening to their experiences and observations since their children joined the programme.
As the First Lady stepped into the crowd, the gathering broke into a cheerful “Happy Birthday” rendition, warmly celebrating her special day and adding to the festive atmosphere.
The First Lady, alongside the centre’s staff, offered counselling to families to help rebuild relationships and ensure lasting support systems.
Addressing parents and guardians, the First Lady said the visit was meant to evaluate the progress made by individuals who had previously struggled with drug abuse.
Dr Mnangagwa said that attention was being given to improvements in behaviour, communication, hygiene and overall well-being, particularly among those who had previously struggled to function normally.
She emphasised that addressing drug abuse requires collective effort.
Families expressed deep appreciation for the visible changes in their loved ones following the programme.
One particularly moving testimony came from evangelist Gwatidzo, whose child is among those affected, narrated how drug abuse had ravaged her son’s life, leaving the family in distress before his admission into the programme.
“I am an evangelist and I teach other people’s children who listen and understand. But this issue does not choose; it can affect even our own homes, preachers. At first I tried to cover-up the issue, but it grew until I openly sought help.
“We could not help ourselves; we had failed. Like the biblical saying, a physician cannot heal himself, love is what heals. We have seen children being transformed in their outlook on life,” she said.
Evangelist Gwatidzo praised the First Lady for the transformative journey of her child, saying it takes a village to raise a child.
“In some situations, when one person misses something, another will see it. God gave us our First Lady, who showed love. Two weeks ago, when my son came for help, he was unable to speak or communicate. I want to thank our mother; I have witnessed a miracle.
“I saw a child who has come back as if from the grave. Now he is able to talk about life again. We interacted nicely for the first time in ages. He was asking about the well-being of others and their plans, even asking what he himself should do,” she said.
A 13-year-old boy also expressed his joy.
“I was really astonished. Even though I am still young, I can clearly see that what the First Lady is doing is something amazing and life-changing. My brother had changed so much because of drugs, he was no longer himself but today I am happy and relieved to see him return to being the person I used to know. It gives me hope and joy,” he said.
A seven-year-old girl was also at a loss for words following the massive transformation she witnessed in her loved one.
“I want to thank you, our mother, dear First Lady, because my brother has truly changed. He had been affected by drugs, and it was very painful for us as a family, but now I can see a real difference in him. He is no longer the same person he was before, and that makes me so happy. I am very grateful. I wish you a happy birthday and many more blessings,” she said.
A female drug survivor who made headlines for all the wrong reasons on the first day, even begrudgingly talking to the First Lady when asked how she came, saying “I came with a car”, was a respectful person yesterday.
“I feel ashamed when I think about how I behaved on the first day when I arrived, but today I stand here grateful. I want to sincerely thank you, First Lady, because I have truly changed. I am no longer the same person I was before.
“To all parents with children struggling with drugs, I want to encourage you please do not give up on your children. No matter how bad things may seem, there is still hope, and change is possible,” she said.
The drug survivor said her wish is that the Angel of Hope Drug Rehabilitation Facility continues to grow bigger and stronger so that it can help even more people and transform more lives.
Even former inmates at the rehab also came to inspire others, sharing their journey, with some now running their own businesses, including Audrey Nachi, who opened her own salon.
“I was helped and given a second chance at life. I was restored and became myself again after everything I had gone through. After my recovery, I went to a vocational centre where I learned practical skills that helped me rebuild my future.
“Today, I am proud to say that I opened my own salon, and I am now able to support myself and move forward with confidence and purpose,” she said.
Another former patient, Karen Chibuwani, said she lost her job because of substance abuse, and her life began to fall apart.
“I reached a point where I had to make a decision for myself, and that’s when I chose to come to Angel of Hope for help. When I arrived, I was not in a good state; substance abuse had taken a serious toll on my health, my appearance and my confidence,” she said.
“But through the support and care I received, my life began to change. I was given another chance. I went on to study hotel and catering, and now I am pursuing culinary arts while continuing with my education.
I am rebuilding my life step by step, and I am hopeful about my future.”
The wife who brought her husband a cake said, “I brought a cake for my husband. I just want to say thank you; a lot has changed. Things were very difficult before; we were no longer understanding each other. I feel happy. I am truly grateful for the transformation I am seeing.”
The Angel of Hope Drug Rehabilitation Centre continues to transform lives, with each reunion reinforcing the message that recovery, dignity and a second chance are always possible.
Bongani Ndlovu