Online Reporter
Ray Bande
Senior Reporter
THE Zimbabwe Defence Forces is actively involved in the fight against drug and substance abuse within its rank and file as well as in communities as it targets the construction of 30 rehabilitation centres countrywide – three per province – starting next year, a Cabinet Minister has said.
The move by the ZDF will ensure increased access to drug abuse rehabilitation services, something that is currently beyond the reach of many owing to exorbitant costs.
Officially opening the Ministry of Defence Strategic Review and Planning Workshop held at a local hotel on Wednesday, Defence Minister, Honourable Oppah Muchinguri- Kashiri, who was represented by her deputy, Brigadier General (Rtd) Levy Mayihlome said: “In the 2026-2030 performance cycle, let us prioritise the Whole-of-Government Approach, ensuring our contributions align with key Cabinet committees, including the Multi-Sectoral National Committee on Drug and Substance Abuse, which is chaired by the Ministry of Defence.
“Relatedly, let me take this opportunity to extend my appreciation to the ZDF for their commitment to renovate three rehabilitation centres per province, totalling 30 centers nationwide. It is imperative that we expedite assessments on the Bill of Quantities to meet our target of rolling out renovation programmes by year-end, commencing with one centre per province.
“I also commend the Air Force for introducing compulsory drug and substance abuse testing for recruits, and I encourage the Zimbabwe National Army to follow suit, as we are collectively entrusted to defend our nation,” she said.
Turning to Government’s commitment to demining programme, Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri said they have covered 96 percent mine clearance.
“Allow me to express my sincere appreciation for the successful hosting of the National Stakeholder’s Dialogue on Humanitarian Demining and Mine Victim Assistance, held during the period under review.
“This forum, a collaborative effort with the European union and the Geneva Centre for Humanitarian Assistance, underscores Zimbabwe’s commitment to upholding international conventions, notably the Mine Ban Convention.
“The forum has yielded tangible results, attracting new players in the area of demining. I commend the Zimbabwe Defence Forces for their dedication to mine clearance, which has enabled us to achieve 96 percent completion of mine clearance to date,” she said.
Honourable Muchinguri applauded the ZDF’s commitment to Disaster management, with its impressive record in disaster impact reduction.
“Furthermore, in the realm of National Disaster Preparedness, it is incumbent upon us to respond swiftly and effectively to safeguard lives and protect national interests.
“I commend our Defence Forces for their exemplary response to past disasters, including Cyclone Idai and the Covid-19 pandemic, demonstrating their capability and commitment to national security.
“It is essential that we continue to enhance our capabilities in responding to and managing the evolving nature of natural calamities, ensuring an approach to disaster management is agile and resilient,” said Honourable Muchinguri-Kashiri.
In his welcome remarks, Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Advocate Misheck Mugadza commended the Ministry of Defence for ensuring safety and security along the border with Mozambique.
“As a border province, we truly appreciate the role played by the Zimbabwe Defence Forces in ensuring peace, safety and security along the border.
“Efforts from men and women in the ZDF have helped drastically reduce cases of smuggling along the border and maintained the security of citizens living in both sides of the border,” he said.
