Online Reporter
Ivan Zhakata
Herald Correspondent
ZIMBABWE and Malaysia on Tuesday pledged stronger cooperation in the fight against drug and substance abuse and said the crisis continues to threaten national development and the well-being of young people.
The pledge was made at the Anti-Drug and Substance Abuse workshop held in Harare and organised by the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training in partnership with the Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme (MTCP).
The event brought together Government representatives, MTCP alumni and rehabilitated youths.
Permanent Secretary for Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training, Mr Solomon Mhlanga, in a speech read on his behalf by acting provincial deputy director for Harare Metropolitan Province, Mr Simon Jengwa, said Zimbabwe must intensify prevention, rehabilitation and community engagement programmes.
“Drug and substance abuse is a multifaceted issue that negatively impacts individuals, families and society. It knows no boundaries — affecting all ages, races and socioeconomic statuses,” he said.
Mr Mhlanga said youth remained the most vulnerable group and required strong support systems.
“Our youth face immense pressures and temptations. We owe it to them to provide a safe environment where they can thrive without the influence of drugs and substance abuse.”
He urged stakeholders to move beyond discussion and adopt coordinated, action-based strategies.
“Knowledge alone is not enough, we must act. We must work collaboratively, pooling our resources and expertise to develop sustainable solutions.”
Mr Mhlanga said the National Youth Empowerment Strategy, launched recently, created economic pathways for youth through vocational training, innovation hubs, agriculture, digital transformation and access to finance.
He also commended Malaysia for its continued technical support and proposed formalising cooperation through a Memorandum of Understanding on youth work.
Malaysia’s Charge d’Affaires to Zimbabwe, Mr Aniff Fauzi, said the workshop reflected growing bilateral cooperation.
“The Call to Action against the drug scourge organised by the MTCP Zimbabwe Alumni Association is timely and aligns with collaborative efforts underway in Zimbabwe to fight drug and substance abuse,” he said.
He said a virtual session with Malaysia’s National Anti-Drug Agency (NADA) provided participants with insights that complement Zimbabwe’s Multi-sectoral Drug and Substance Abuse Plan for 2024–2030.
“Through these engagements, stakeholders exchanged valuable insights on supply reduction, reintegration and treatment methodologies crucial for preventing relapse.”
Mr Fauzi said the MTCP Zimbabwe Alumni Association, established in 2006, continued to support local capacity building, with about 400 Zimbabwean officials having benefited from MTCP training.
MTCP Zimbabwe Alumni chairperson Mr Conwell Tumbare said the alumni group would continue complementing the Government’s efforts.
“This challenge is destroying lives, weakening families and threatening the future of our nation,” he said.
“As patriotic citizens, we have a duty to protect our fellow citizens against harmful behaviour.”
He said the partnership with the ministry is expected to grow and strengthen anti-drug interventions.
“Together, we can build stronger networks, share critical insights and ignite a collective movement that protects and uplifts our young people.”
Mr Tumbare urged youths attending the workshop to use the knowledge gained to promote drug-free communities.
The stakeholders reaffirmed commitments to expand prevention programmes, strengthen rehabilitation support and promote international cooperation to curb drug abuse in Zimbabwe.
