Wallace Ruzvidzo
Herald Reporter
THE long arm of the law must do much more to bring drug and substance abuse culprits to justice, including exposing and shaming cartels along with convicted offenders, President Mnangagwa has said.
In his address at the High-level Drug and Substance Resource Mobilisation Engagement programme at State House in Harare yesterday, the President said the fight against the global menace was not just a “feel good exercise”, but a battle for the soul and future of Zimbabwe.
More than US$3 million in pledges was raised at the event to be channelled towards the fight against drug and substance abuse.
“Leveraging on the recently gazetted Statutory Instrument, I expect our law enforcement agencies to net more perpetrators for possession, trading and consumption of dangerous substances.
“Now that the emerging illicit brews such as tumbwa, and musombodhiya are prohibited by law, while crystal meth (mutoriro or guka) is now properly placed under the Dangerous Drugs Act, stiffer penalties should be imposed on offenders,” said President Mnangagwa.
“All Government arms must expedite the conclusion of the Bill establishing the Drug Enforcement Agency.”
Recently, the Government banned the production of dangerous home-made brews through Statutory Instrument 62 of 2025.
President Mnangagwa said the health and well-being of the general citizenry, particularly the youth, was not only vital for the ongoing national development agenda, but also guaranteed the transformational growth, socio-economic stability and strength for the sustainability of Zimbabwe.
In view of this, Government set up the National Committee on Drug and Substance Abuse with a clear direction on adopting a Whole of Government and Society Approach to holistically deal with the scourge.
“This growing public health, social ill and security concern is not unique to our jurisdiction but is affecting many countries across the world.
“In our case, the negative impacts of this menace continue to affect families, communities and institutions, resulting in Gender Based Violence, school dropouts, suicides, road traffic accidents, as well as many other sociological and psychological conditions,” President Mnangagwa said.
“The seven pillars that anchor the National Committee on Drug and Substance Abuse are envisaged to attend to matters such as Supply, Demand and Harm Reduction; together with Treatment and Rehabilitation.
“Additionally, the committee has a duty to look into our Legal and Policy frameworks, proffer robust strategies for Community Re-integration, all of which must be driven by a responsive Media and Communication plan.”
The President emphasised the importance of treatment, rehabilitation and reintegration for survivors of drug and substance abuse, highlighting the necessity of establishing training and rehabilitation support centres at the grassroots level to address these issues effectively.
He directed all local authorities to provide the necessary infrastructure for repurposing into treatment and rehabilitation centres.
A total of 67 centres have been identified so far.
Three centres in Chipadze in Bindura, Amaveni in Kwekwe and Chinotimba in Victoria Falls have been operationalised, while renovation works at Wilkins Opportunistic Infectious Ward in Harare will be completed soon.
“These efforts will go a long way to achieve evidence-based, effective harm reduction services, programmes and psycho-social support for drug survivors and their families.
“To augment these public sector-driven efforts, the registration of private rehabilitation centres should be facilitated. No one and no place should be left behind.
“My Administration will continue to prioritise funding for the Drug and Substance Abuse Programme, which has been allotted ZiG 865 million in the 2025 national budget,” said President Mnangagwa.
The attainment of Vision 2030, he said, hinged upon contributions by all citizens; therefore, it was incumbent upon everyone to fight against the hazard that has raised its ugly head against the country’s societal norms.
“I urge us all, as parents, guardians, leaders, churches and the community at large, to collectively fight this scourge and eliminate the drug culture, which is growing within our society.
“Let us exercise positive parenting skills in the upbringing of our children.”
President Mnangagwa challenged individuals and corporates to give life and hope to survivors of drug and substance abuse by supporting the capacitation of the 67 identified rehabilitation centres.
Pledges to the tune of over US$3 million were made yesterday by members of the private sector, faith-based organisations and even Cabinet and Provincial Ministers towards the cause.
“We are grateful and pleased that some stakeholders here present, have committed to refurbish and equip some of the identified rehabilitation centres.
“We thank you all. This is consistent with the spirit of our development philosophy, Nyika inovakwa, inotongwa, inonamatigwa nevene vayo/Ilizwe lakhiwa, libuswe, likhulekelwe ngabanikazi balo,” said the President.
“Your donations and pledges will make a difference in facilitating the smooth flow of programmes being undertaken by the Drug and Substance Abuse Committee, as we endeavour to attain a drug-free Zimbabwe.
“The Resource Mobilisation Pillar of my Government is reminded to put in place stringent measures to ensure the prudent use of resources.”
President Mnangagwa noted that successes had also been registered in the fight against the global menace.
“Surveillance activities by stakeholders working with the National Committee have seen peddlers and dealers apprehended and prosecuted across the country,” he said.
The President also urged stakeholders, faith-based organisations, traditional leadership structures and Government to ensure high impact results from the numerous Anti-Drug and Substance Abuse awareness campaigns being conducted countrywide.
“The information, education and communication platforms established to date, must carry anti-drug messaging, which is relatable to those affected, and motive behavioural change.
“As demonstrated in the recent past, during, for example, cyclones Idai and Freddy, Covid-19 and El Nino induced droughts, among others, we are well able to boldly address the challenges faced by our beloved motherland, Zimbabwe.
“Through co-operation and collaboration as one united people, this drug and substance abuse challenge is surmountable,” said the President.
In his remarks while introducing the President, Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Minister Kazembe Kazembe said resource mobilisation was an urgent need in the fight against drug and substance abuse.
“A needs assessment was conducted and it pointed to the need to mobilise resources,” he said.
Minister Kazembe said over 31 000 drug offenders had been nabbed since the President launched the drug and substance abuse plan last year.
Giving the closing remarks, the Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Dr Jenfan Muswere, said resource mobilisation was key.
“I want to thank all participants for ensuring that awareness is raised as we fight against the menace,” he said.
The resource mobilisation programme was attended by Ministers, Deputy Ministers and relevant stakeholders, among other senior Government officials.
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