Online Reporter
Victor Maphosa recently in Chikomba
At a time when the Government is amplifying the call for all to contribute to the fight against drug and substance abuse, chiefs have been identified and called to action, as they are key figures in this battle in Zimbabwe.
The call was made by Chief of Staff General Staff of the Zimbabwe National Army Major General Augustine Chipwere, during the Mashonaland East Provincial Traditional Leaders Day commemorations held at Chief Nyoka’s residence in Chikomba district recently.
Annually, the ZNA holds a Traditional Leaders Day in the province to recognise the symbiotic relationship between the uniformed forces and traditional leaders, a bond that dates back to the armed struggle era.
This relationship has fostered significant developments across Zimbabwe, with nearly all traditional leaders from the province attending the event.
Also present was Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Mashonaland East Advocate Itayi Ndudzo.
In his remarks, Major General Chipwere urged traditional leaders to leave no stone unturned in combating drug and substance abuse.
“Zimbabwe is facing a serious challenge with drug and substance abuse. Common illicit drugs include crystal meth, broncleer, dagga, and cocaine.
“These substances are destroying our people’s internal organs, including the liver and heart.
“Therefore, I appeal to our traditional leaders to educate communities about the dangers of drug and substance abuse and to encourage people to desist from such practices,” he said.
Major General Chipwere also highlighted other important roles played by traditional leaders in the community and the significance of the warm relationship between the army and chiefs.
“When it comes to developmental issues in our communities, 2 Infantry Brigade will continue working closely with you to accelerate development across Mashonaland East Province. In the past two years, the army has completed construction projects at Beatrice District Hospital, Chumachangu Clinic in Murehwa, classroom blocks at Monte Casino in Macheke, and at Mudzonga Secondary School, as well as the electrification project at Nyamuwanga Primary School and the building of an Early Childhood Development (ECD) block at Nyakabawu Primary School, along with two classroom blocks at Mandoga Primary School. Recently, a senior girls’ hostel built by the army was commissioned at Nhowe High School in Murehwa. All this is a testament to 2 Infantry Brigade’s commitment to development.”
He emphasised that the army is for the people. In his remarks, Advocate Ndudzo also challenged traditional leaders to take a leading role in the fight against drug and substance abuse.
“We are facing a threat as a nation that affects us all. We will not win this war against drug and substance abuse if traditional leaders do not take the lead in this fight. We also have issues of environmental degradation and land barons on top of drug and substance abuse, and I implore our traditional leaders to ensure an end to all of this.”
Advocate Ndudzo also noted that the relationship between the army and traditional leaders dates back to the armed struggle era, where they took care of heroes. He urged the nation to respect traditional leaders and not belittle them. Chief Nechombo, Chairman of the Mashonaland East Chiefs Council, praised the relationship between the chiefs and the army.
“We feel honoured to maintain a good relationship with our army. We often collaborate on the Zunde RaMambo initiative, and it is always a success. We want to thank the army for maintaining peace across the country, as well as for all the developmental work they are doing, not only in Mashonaland East but across Zimbabwe,” he said.
