Online Reporter
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu [email protected]
MATABELALAND South province is set to train traditional and faith leaders to equip them with psychosocial support skills as part of the fight against drug and substance abuse.
Speaking recently during a drug and substance abuse provincial planning meeting, Permanent
Secretary for Matabeleland South Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Mrs Lathiso Dlamini-Maseko, said the province must work tirelessly to complement the President’s vision of eradicating drug and substance abuse.
Provinces have been tasked with developing strategies, including raising funds to combat the growing scourge that has devastated communities across the country.
This follows the national call to action by President Mnangagwa, who on 11 July 2025 launched the National Drug and Substance Response Resource Mobilisation programme in Harare.
“As a province, we have not been spared from this scourge of drug and substance abuse which has hit the country. We have to work together as stakeholders from the province in order to come up with strategies that we will implement in the fight against drug and substance abuse.
“Each pillar should come up with prioritised activities and this is what we should come up with from this planning meeting.
This problem isn’t just present in our province but in our communities and even our homes as well. Let’s treat this issue as a matter of urgency and let’s respond to the call by His Excellency President Mnangagwa,” she said.
Stakeholders during the meeting identified key areas to be addressed through the drug and substance abuse funding. These include capacitation and training of traditional and faith leaders as part of the reintegration process.
The TB Centre in Gwanda Urban is set to be renovated to become a rehabilitation centre. Other planned activities include awareness campaigns, patrols, community empowerment projects, establishment of recreational facilities, sporting activities, among others.
@DubeMatutu
