Online Reporter
Thupeyo Muleya, Beitbridge Bureau
Matabeleland South War Veterans League Chairman Cde Alfred Makhomo Moyo has called on Zimbabwean youths to reject drug and substance abuse and refocus on productive activities that build the nation.
He made the remarks on Saturday during the burial of liberation war hero Cde Andris Nguluvhe, known by his Chimurenga name “Mujamba”, at Tshapongwe village in Ward 2 under Beitbridge East.
Cde Mujamba, 91, who is survived by 12 children and 35 grand children was the elder brother to Minister of State for Matabeleland South Provincial Affairs and Devolution Cde Albert Nguluvhe.
He died in Bulawayo last Sunday following a short illness and was laid to rest with liberation war hero status after being conferred the honour by President Mnangagwa.
Speaking at the burial, which was attended by hundreds of mourners, Cde Moyo said the rising scourge of drug abuse was threatening the future of the country.
“The youth are the vanguard of the future, and hence they need to refocus on productive matters rather than resorting to drug abuse or crime in the communities,” he said.
He urged young people and other Zimbabweans to take advantage of empowerment initiatives being implemented by the Second Republic.
“The youth and other Zimbabweans should embrace the many empowerment initiatives the Second Republic is implementing,” Cde Moyo said.
“As veterans of the liberation struggle we appreciate the work that has been done by the Second Republic in adressing our welfare issues and that of widowsof war veterans.
“Most recently a polyclinic to offer health services to our members opened its doors in Gwanda this past week. We have also seen the Government rolling out housing projects and empowerement initiativesfor our members.”
He noted with concern the rate at which youths were getting hooked to crime and drug and substance abuse.
Cde Moyo also highlighted that the Government had declared drug and substance abuse a national disaster and was working with law enforcement, health institutions, and churches to expand prevention and rehabilitation programs.
Cde Mujamba was remembered at the burial as a freedom fighter, cattle farmer of repute, and community leader who championed development and fought crime in Beitbridge.
The burial was attended by Government officials, traditional leaders, war veterans, church leaders, and ZANU PF members.
