Online Reporter
Fairness Moyana in Hwange
WITH drug and substance abuse tightening its grip on communities across Zimbabwe, learners in Hwange District, Matabeleland North Province, are proving that the fight against the scourge must begin at the grassroots level.
Armed with knowledge, confidence and persuasive public speaking skills, the pupils emerged as powerful anti-drug advocates during the 2026 Hwange District Drug and Substance Abuse Quiz and Public Speaking Finals held on Tuesday under the theme: “Say No to Drugs and Substance Abuse.”
Organised by the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education through the District Schools Inspector’s Office, the event brought together finalists from four education clusters after a series of preliminary competitions.
Victoria Falls-based Grace Mission High School emerged as champions in the quiz competition, followed by Hwange Government High School, the host school, while Nechilibi High School finished third.
In the public speaking category, Mosi-oa-Tunya High School dominated the contest, taking both first and second positions, with Nechilibi High School securing third place.
Schools that participated in the district-wide programme included Hwange Government High School, Chidobe Secondary School, Don Bosco High School, Wankie Secondary School, Nechishala
Secondary School, Chilisa Secondary School, Nechilibi High School, Nembila Secondary School, Detema Secondary School, Marist Secondary School, Grace Mission High School, Mosi-oa-Tunya High School and Mashake Secondary School.
Officially opening the finals, Acting District Development Co-ordinator Mr Emmanuel Sibanda said the competition was more than an academic contest, describing it as an important platform for equipping learners with knowledge and life skills needed to resist drug and substance abuse.
He said Zimbabwe continued to face the growing challenge of drug and substance abuse among young people, with devastating consequences that included poor academic performance, school dropouts, crime, violence, mental health challenges, broken families and the loss of promising futures.
“Our young people represent Zimbabwe’s greatest national asset. They’re the future doctors, engineers, teachers, entrepreneurs, miners, farmers, scientists, public servants and national leaders,” he said.
“Every learner lost to drug and substance abuse represents not only a personal tragedy but also a setback to our country’s development aspirations.”
Mr Sibanda commended the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education for using innovative learning approaches aligned to the Heritage-Based Curriculum, saying the competitions encouraged research, critical thinking, communication and responsible decision-making.
He urged learners to become ambassadors in the fight against drugs by making informed choices, resisting peer pressure and sharing knowledge with their peers and communities.
“Believe in yourselves. Choose friends wisely. Have the courage to say no whenever you are confronted with drugs or any harmful substances. True strength is found in making responsible decisions even when others choose a different path,” he said.
Mr Sibanda stressed that addressing drug and substance abuse required collective action involving parents, teachers, communities, churches, traditional leaders, civil society organisations, law enforcement agencies and Government institutions.
“Government alone cannot win this battle. Schools alone cannot win this battle. Parents alone cannot win this battle. Together, however, we can build communities where every child has the opportunity to realise his or her full potential,” he said.
Mr Sibanda added that a healthy, educated and disciplined youth population was essential for the successful implementation of the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2) and the attainment of Vision 2030.
He also applauded the District Schools Inspector’s Office, the District Drug and Substance Abuse Committee, adjudicators, health professionals, security services and other stakeholders for organising the event, saying their commitment demonstrated Hwange District’s united resolve to protect young people from the dangers of drug and substance abuse.
The competitions form part of ongoing efforts by the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education and the District Drug and Substance Abuse Committee to strengthen drug awareness in schools through quizzes, public speaking, peer education and guidance and counselling programmes.
