Source: Church, Govt unite in bold offensive against drug abuse – herald
Admire Chitsungo
Heavy rains in the morning were widely viewed by many as a blessing that set the tone for the day, as hundreds gathered for the Overcoming Drug and Substance Abuse Campaign held at Father Flower Group of Schools in Ngezi, Kadoma.
The African Seventh-Day Adventist Church (ASDA), led by its president Pastor Nobert Chimunhu, in partnership with Elder Douglas Kwande of DCK Group of Companies and Dr Jimmy Lemekani-Waya of Father Flower Group of Schools, intensified the fight against drug and substance abuse through the awareness campaign that brought together Government officials, church leaders, law enforcement agencies, educators, parents and learners.
The event recorded a huge turnout, reflecting growing public concern over the escalating drug crisis.
Speaking at the event, Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Mashonaland West, Hon Marian Chombo, underscored the importance of collaboration between Government and the church in addressing pressing social challenges.
“As Government, whenever we are seized with a challenge affecting our communities, we work closely with the Church because we recognise the power of prayer and moral guidance,” she said.
“The Bible reminds us that when we pray, certain generational challenges can be overcome. We are inspired by the leadership of our President, Dr Mnangagwa, who consistently emphasises that when we place our problems before God and work together with the Church, we can overcome them.”
Minister Chombo applauded churches for actively engaging young people in schools and guiding them away from harmful behaviours.
“I am pleased to see churches catching them young and guiding them on the right path. This approach resonates with the President’s vision of collective responsibility in confronting the scourge of drug and substance abuse,” she said.
“As the Provincial Minister, I warmly welcome this initiative and commend you for the great work you are doing in shaping a responsible and disciplined generation. Together, through unity, faith and action, we will overcome this challenge.”
The Minister of Primary and Secondary Education Dr Torerai Moyo said drug and substance abuse has emerged as a serious social concern threatening the wellbeing of communities and the future of young people.
“In Zimbabwe, drug and substance abuse has unfortunately emerged as a serious social concern affecting the health, safety and future of our communities, particularly among our young people,” he said.
“The destructive consequences of drug abuse are visible in many spheres of life. Families are torn apart, communities are destabilised, learners lose focus on their education and the productive potential of our nation is undermined.”
Dr Moyo highlighted that under the leadership of President Mnangagwa, Government has adopted a coordinated national strategy to combat drug abuse through a National Steering Committee on Drug and Substance Abuse chaired by Defence Minister Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri.
He said the strategy is guided by seven key pillars including supply reduction through police operations, demand reduction through education and awareness campaigns, treatment and rehabilitation, community reintegration, policy enforcement, media communication and resource mobilisation.
“The fight against drugs is not fragmented but coordinated across the entire national system,” he said.
Within this framework, he noted that the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education plays a crucial role in prevention through awareness campaigns, guidance and counselling programmes, life-skills education and co-curricular activities in schools.
“Our Heritage-Based Curriculum emphasises moral values, responsible citizenship and cultural principles that guide young people towards healthy and productive lifestyles,” he said.
The minister urged learners to desist from drugs, warning that substance abuse destroys lives, dreams and futures.
ASDA President Pastor Chimunhu challenged parents and communities to take responsibility in shaping the future of young people.
Quoting the Book of Genesis Chapter 3, Pastor Chimunhu said society often mirrors Adam’s behaviour of shifting blame. “After disobeying God, Adam tried to shift blame, and today society often transfers its failures to children,” he said.
He urged parents not to offload their guilt onto the younger generation, but instead guide them through love, discipline and the Word of God.
Partner in ministry Elder Douglas Kwande encouraged youths to pursue excellence and avoid drugs, drawing inspiration from the Book of Daniel Chapter 6 verse 3.
“Daniel distinguished himself among his peers because of a spirit of excellence,” Kwande said.
He commended Government for focusing on rehabilitation of offenders, noting that in ancient Babylon severe punishments such as castration were imposed for crimes, whereas modern systems emphasise restoration and transformation.
Executive Secretary of the ASDA Church Pastor Webster Manyika said the church remains committed to spreading the gospel while actively addressing the challenge of drug and substance abuse in communities.
“As the African Seventh-day Adventist Church, we are ready to reach every corner preaching the Word of God and raising awareness on the dangers of drug and substance abuse. Through faith, education and community engagement, we believe lives can be transformed and young people guided towards a brighter future,” he said.
Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services rehabilitation officer John Maorera praised the church for supporting government efforts in combating drug and substance abuse through awareness and community engagement.
The human cost of drug-related crimes was also highlighted through testimonies from inmates who shared their experiences.
One of the inmates, 32-year-old Rutendo Dube who is serving a sentence for drug peddling, said she was drawn into the trade after returning from South Africaand was lured by the promise of quick financial gain.
“At first, I was hesitant because I did not use drugs myself, but the promise of fast money convinced me. My home became a place where people would come looking for drugs, and it was even called ‘Kwa Mainini’. I thought I was making money, but I was destroying my life. The law eventually caught up with me, and I realised that crime may seem profitable at first, but it eventually ruins your life,” Dube said.
She said some of her customers included young people and school children, something she now deeply regrets.
“What hurts most is seeing some of those same young people here in prison, losing important years of their lives. I regret that my actions contributed to their downfall,” she said.
Twenty-two-year-old Vimbai Zimuto, who is serving time for theft after battling drug addiction, warned young people about the dangers of substance abuse.
“I started using drugs with friends, thinking it was just for fun, but soon became addicted. I left home and stayed along the Kadoma railway line. When I could no longer afford drugs, I began stealing from those close to me to support my habit. My message to young people, especially women, is that drugs will destroy your life and future,” she said.
Meanwhile, Director General of Father Flower Group of Schools Dr Jimmy Lemekani-Waya expressed appreciation to Minister Chombo for her leadership and support.
He said her guidance reflects the inclusive development agenda championed by President Mnangagwa under the principle of leaving no one and no place behind.
Lemekani-Waya also applauded Minister Moyo for his commitment to education and youth empowerment, particularly for facilitating the participation of four schools — Chawarura High School, Chawarura Primary School, Chiwashira Primary School and Mhene Primary School — all from Chawarura Ward in Mashonaland Central Province.
The campaign concluded with a call for stronger partnerships between government, churches, schools and communities to ensure that young people are protected from the dangers of drug and substance abuse and empowered to build a healthier and more prosperous Zimbabwe.
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