Source: Minister Kazembe Kazembe calls for united front against substance abuse | The Herald (Top Stories)
Peter Tanyanyiwa
Herald Correspondent
Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Minister, Kazembe Kazembe, says there is a need for a united front in the fight against drugs and substance abuse, particularly among the youth.
Minister Kazembe, who was representing the National Committee on Drug and Substance Abuse chairperson Minister Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri at the Smart Drinking and Moderation Innovation Challenge in Harare today, drug and substance abuse not only undermines health and education, but also threatens national development.
“If we are to build a Zimbabwe that is healthy and free from the grip of substance abuse, we must act together,” he said.
“No single entity can fight this menace alone. It is a call for collective responsibility and action.”
He also highlighted recent legislative milestones, including the amendment of the Dangerous Drugs Act to include crystal methamphetamine and the establishment of special drug courts. “We have launched a National Resource Mobilisation Campaign, raising over US$3,1 million in pledges, but more support is needed from the corporate world and society at large,” Minister Kazembe added.
Minister Kazembe outlined the Government’s multi-pronged response, anchored on six pillars: supply reduction, demand reduction, treatment and rehabilitation, community integration, legislative reform, and resource mobilisation.
He revealed that since April 2023, over 32 000 offenders have been apprehended and more than 18 000 individuals have received treatment for substance abuse.
The event, hosted by the BOOST Fellowship in partnership with Delta Corporation Limited, brought together students from 16 universities across Zimbabwe and saw 10 university teams compete in coming up with creative solutions aimed at reducing binge drinking, illicit alcohol consumption, underage and prenatal drinking, and other substance abuse challenges in communities.
The event ran under the theme “Above the Influence”, featured an anti-drug and substance abuse awareness march, panel discussions, and university innovation pitches.
BOOST Fellowship programmes manager Ms Vimbainashe Mushure, emphasised the importance of youth-led solutions: “We look forward to seeing what the teams come up with. “Their creativity and commitment are proof that young people can be co-architects of Zimbabwe’s transformation.”
Delta Corporation’s group SHE executive, Mr Farai Matambo, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to responsible drinking and youth empowerment.
“At Delta, our role goes beyond brewing beverages. We are part of communities, and with that privilege comes responsibility,” he said.
“Our smart drinking goals focus on preventing underage drinking, discouraging drinking during pregnancy, and making moderation fashionable.
Matambo praised the students’ efforts: “Your projects, from digital behaviour change tools to campus campaigns, are the kind of innovation that strengthens our mission.
“When students speak, students listen. You are not just contestants; you are influencers and leaders shaping a culture of responsible enjoyment.”
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