Drugs and substance abuse continue to ravage communities across Zimbabwe, threatening the future of a generation and cutting across all social lines. In response, the Multi-Sectorial Campaign against Drugs and Substance Abuse was held at Makamba Square in Bindura, a powerful community effort bringing together government, law enforcement, civic groups, and local residents.
Makamba Square, owned by businessman Dr. James Makamba, was praised for opening its gates to such a noble cause. “It’s encouraging to see private spaces being used for the public good,” said Mr. Muza, one of many who turned up in solidarity.
Delivering the keynote address, Bindura District Assistant Coordinator Mr. Huvaya set the tone: “Drugs and substance abuse knows no age, it has no boundaries.” He spoke of the damage addiction has caused, from family breakdowns and school dropouts to crime and lost potential.
He called on all sectors to unite, saying: “We must offer support, not stigma. We should embrace those who are affected and work towards their rehabilitation.” Mr. Huvaya commended institutions like Bindura Rehabilitation Centre and the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service (ZPCS) for assisting survivors and offering second chances.
The government has also taken steps to address the issue, with initiatives such as the Chipadze Rehabilitation Centre and vocational training programs at Maizelands. These efforts aim to provide vital support for those struggling with addiction and help them reintegrate into society.
The crowd was deeply moved by a local drama group’s performance depicting the downward spiral of a young girl trapped in drug abuse. The story followed her from defiance at home to life on the streets and eventually to an unwanted pregnancy after being exploited. It was a raw and emotional illustration of how drugs can derail not just behavior but entire destinies.
Adding a legal perspective, Detective Constable Nyabeza from the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) addressed the crowd, bringing samples of illegal substances, including body-enhancement pills, skin-lightening products, and unregulated supplements. “Some of these may seem harmless, but they destroy health and wellbeing,” she warned. She reinforced that possession or distribution of such substances is a crime: “We are here to educate, but also to enforce. The ZRP will not hesitate to arrest offenders.”
As the event drew to a close, school children marched in holding bold placards reading: “Say No to Drugs,” “No to Guka,” “Stop Selling Drugs to Us,” and “Save Our Future.” Their voices, full of urgency, rang through the square: “We are a generation under threat. We are fighting for our future. Those selling drugs, please stop it. You are destroying lives, dreams, and destinies.”
The church was represented by Evangelist Nyagura, who emphasized the need for spiritual intervention in the fight against drugs and substance abuse. “This menace of drugs and substances abuse now needs the intervention of God because it’s so spiritual; it’s a demon which needs to be crushed.” It is commendable that churches have joined hands to fight drugs, recognizing the critical role they can play in supporting affected individuals and families.
As the schoolchildren marched through the streets, their voices echoing with a resounding “No to drugs,” it was clear that a new generation is determined to say no to the scourge that threatens their future.
“We are a generation under threat, but we are also a generation of hope,” the children declared. Their voices were filled with conviction, and their determination was palpable.
Let us continue to stand together against drugs and substance abuse. Let us support those who are struggling, and let us work towards creating a society that is free from the scourge of drugs.
