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Victor Maphosa Mashonaland East Bureau
Drug and substance abuse among youths has become a major challenge that calls for collective efforts to tackle what could threaten the country’s future, Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Mashonaland East Aplonia Munzverengwi said on Sunday.
She was speaking during the 37th birthday celebrations for businesswoman Mrs Patience Mutangadura, held in Ruwa, with hundreds of vulnerable children invited to join the celebrations.
“I heard other speakers here calling on youths to desist from illegal drugs and substances. Our youths are being destroyed by these illegal drugs,” said Minister Munzverengwi.
“What is painful is that those who sell these illegal drugs to other children do not want their children to use the drugs, but they want to give these illegal drugs and substances to someone’s child.
“If the future of these children is destroyed, what will we do as a nation? We do not want, as a country, to reach a stage where there is a generational gap without a working class simply because our children would have been destroyed by these illegal drugs.”
Minister Munzverengwi said if children continued to abuse the drugs for the next five years, there was a danger that there would be no workforce for the country.
She said Zimbabwe would then be forced to open up its borders to allow foreigners from neighbouring countries to come and work for so as to prosper the nation.
Parents and guardians were urged to take an active role in safeguarding the country’s future by ensuring that drug and substance abuse was stopped.
Youth, Sport, Arts and Recreation Deputy Minister Tino Machakaire, who also attended the birthday celebrations, criticised people who supply drugs to youths.
“We have a serious challenge which is facing our nation today; that of drug abuse among our youths,” he said. “I am happy that Mrs Mutangadura is helping vulnerable children in our communities. If these children do not have anything to do, they will indulge in drug abuse.
“Assisting children and giving them education, keeping them occupied will help them in being focused and avoid all illegal activities. I commend you Mrs Mutangadura for what you are doing for the children.”
Mrs Mutangadura called upon law enforcement agents to fight harder against the abuse and supply of illegal drugs.
“I call upon youths and children to avoid drug and substance abuse at all costs,” she said. “I also urge our law enforcement agents to use every resource and method to bring those who are selling these illegal drugs to book.
“They should all be arrested so that we do not face this challenge anymore.”
Mrs Mutangadura, accompanied by Minister Munzverengwi, handed over food hampers to vulnerable children who attended the event.
She is known for assisting with school fees and food to over 300 vulnerable children, an act she has been doing for the past five years.
Elderly people also get food and other basics from the businesswoman, whose upbringing has inspired her decision to support the vulnerable.
Online Reporter
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