Mashonaland Province East fundraises more than US$400K towards drug abuse fight

Victor MaphosaMashonaland East BureauMashonaland East Province has raised more than US$400 000 towards the fight against drug and substance abuse.The money will go towards funding various programmes meant to fight drug and substance abuse in the province.The money was pledged by various organisations and individuals during a Drug and Substance Abuse Provincial Fundraising programme held in Marondera recently.The province had a target to raise US$250 000.The Government is making frantic efforts to establish rehabilitation centres across the country, which are crucial in the fight against drug and substance abuse.In this regard, to fully fund these programmes, a National Resource Mobilisation Programme was launched at State House by President Mnangagwa, where provinces were subsequently tasked to follow suit.In Mashonaland East, Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training Minister Tinoda Machakaire appealed to everyone to put hands on the deck to end drug and substance abuse.“We are here today with a clear purpose that is to mobilise financial, human, technical and material resources to strengthen our provincial response to this crisis,” he said.“Our goal is a united, coordinated effort across Government and society to tackle drug and substance abuse head-on This transparent donation platform we have launched is built to support infrastructure for rehabilitation centres and reintegration services.“Drug and substance abuse fuels crime, drives violence and breeds instability It creates a cycle that is hard to break But we can break it if we stand together

We are losing a significant portion of our youthful workforce due to this menace.“We must educate our youth on the dangers of drug use and provide real support for those already caught in its grip.”Minister Machakaire said more rehabilitation centres mean more young people reclaiming their lives.“These centres offer not just medical care but also psychological support and life skills training,” he said.“They provide a safe, structured environment for recovery, away from the destructive influences that fuel addiction.“The Government of Zimbabwe, under the able leadership of President Mnangagwa, has already taken steps to fight this problem At the national level, a dedicated task force to address drug and substance abuse was created, headed by the Minister of Defence Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri It focuses on five core areas: supply reduction, demand reduction, harm reduction, treatment and rehabilitation and community reintegration.“Our Ministry leads the demand reduction pillar, which works to limit access to drugs and reduce the desire for them, especially among young people But that is not enough

We need to roll out more empowerment programmes because, as we all know, ‘an idle mind is the devil’s workshop’.”In his remarks, Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe highlighted the deadly effects of drug and substance abuse in society.“As we are gathered here today, may we reflect on the gravity and impact of drug and substance abuse on our societies,” he said.“Our youth, who are the current and future drivers of our economy, the engines of innovation, economic transformation and national development, are being destroyed by drug and substance abuse.“Regrettably, our young people are losing healthy years of their lives as a result of drug and substance abuse addiction illnesses Drug and substance abuse are tearing apart the family fabric.“The nexus between drug and substance abuse and violent crimes, including robberies, murder, hooliganism, gender-based violence, rape and negligent driving, cannot be overstated Drug use burdens and disrupts health, economic and justice systems.”In his remarks, Mashonaland East Provincial Affairs and Devolution Advocate Itayi Ndudzo emphasised the importance of collaboration in the fight to end drug and substance abuse.“Drug and substance abuse is not just a personal battle; it’s a widespread menace that threatens the very fabric of our society,” he said.“It erodes our cultural norms and impedes our social and economic development We have witnessed the heartbreaking consequences, families torn apart, lives ruined, and communities left vulnerable

It is our collective responsibility to address this crisis head-on.“Today, we gather not just to acknowledge the problem but to take decisive action President Mnangagwa has declared a war on drug dealers and addicts, and this requires robust financial support We must rally together, business leaders, local investors, churches, farmers, and community members to build a strong financial foundation for our fight against this scourge.“I am confident that with the commitment of everyone present, we can exceed our fundraising goals Our local authorities and all business people here understand that drug abuse impacts their operations

Today is your opportunity to demonstrate that you stand in solidarity with this cause Your contributions will empower initiatives that rehabilitate, educate, and support those affected by substance abuse.”Share on FacebookPost on XFollow usSave

Originally published on Zimbabwe Herald

Source: Zimbabwe Herald