Zimbabwe needs rescue from drugs

THIS Saturday’s column is a heartfelt plea from this writer to both church and political leaders to lift their voices in prayer and action, calling upon our Creator to intervene in our beloved homeland. Zimbabwe finds itself under what can only be described as a satanic siege, as more and more of our people —particularly the youth — succumb to the devastating grip of drug and substance abuse, a form of self-destruction that is tearing at the fabric of our society.A deeply distressing report published in this paper just three days ago revealed the scale of the crisis. In a sweeping nationwide crackdown, authorities have arrested and convicted 31 789 individuals for drug and substance-related offences, with some receiving sentences of up to 15 years in prison.

These offenders were not only prosecuted but also publicly named and shamed, a move that underscores the seriousness with which the Government is treating this epidemic.Until recently, the issue of drug trafficking and abuse seemed like a distant headline from other parts of the world. Yet, even as it was known that substances such as marijuana were making their way from East Africa through southern African corridors into Zimbabwe, the problem was often dismissed as peripheral. That illusion has now been shattered.

The same report disclosed that the government has destroyed 665 drug dens and is in the process of converting 67 facilities into rehabilitation and skills development centres.This is part of a broader, determined offensive against a scourge that is ravaging communities and threatening to derail the vision of a prosperous Zimbabwe, as captured in the national mantra: “Ilizwe lakhiwa ngabanikazi balo/ Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo/ a country is built and developed by its owners.” Without urgent and united action, that dream risks becoming a cruel mirage.Just days ago, police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi made a public appeal to all law-abiding citizens to report those involved in the trafficking and consumption of drugs. He noted that many individuals fall into drug use due to peer pressure, while others turn to substances as a form of escape from the despair of unemployment. Meanwhile, those with financial means exploit the situation by purchasing drugs in bulk and selling them at a profit, fuelling a vicious cycle of addiction and exploitation.There are, however, glimmers of hope.

In Masvingo, community leaders have taken proactive steps by launching projects aimed at engaging idle youths and steering them away from the path of substance abuse. These initiatives, recently highlighted by a local radio station, serve as a model for other communities across the country. Families with members who are neither in school nor employed must also be encouraged to take up productive activities, not only to sustain themselves but to shield their loved ones from the lure of drugs.As this column has emphasised, the Church must see itself as equally responsible as political leaders in confronting this crisis.

It cannot afford to remain on the sidelines while young people, lacking purpose and opportunity, drift into destructive behaviours. Faith communities must rise to the occasion by initiating projects that equip the youth with practical skills and income-generating opportunities. In doing so, they will not only be safeguarding the future of their congregants but also contributing meaningfully to the rebuilding of our nation.Share on FacebookPost on XFollow usSave

Originally published on Zimbabwe Herald

Source: Zimbabwe Herald

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