Harare, (New Ziana) –Zimbabwean have been urged to play a role in the fight against drug and substance abuse by channeling a portion of the tithes that they receive from congregants towards that goal.
Hatcliffe constituency secretary Clinton Gonese said this while speaking on behalf of the Member of the National Assembly for the area, Agency Gumbo, during a community campaign in the high density suburb at the weekend.
He said churches should go beyond preaching and play a practical role in addressing challenges that Zimbabwean youths face.
“On tithes, let us put aside a portion which can go to drug and substance abuse to help build our youths as community leaders in the fight against this scourge,” he said.
Officials from the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training, City of Harare, religious leaders from the Salvation Army and other churches, as well as students and staff from Hatcliffe High School, the Zimbabwe Open University as well various youth organisations attended the function.
The event aimed to raise awareness on the dangers of drug and substance abuse among youths and to encourage joint community efforts in finding lasting solutions to the growing problem.
Gonese highlighted the importance of addressing the underlying causes of drug abuse, saying campaigns alone were not enough.
“We can do all these crusades, but if we don’t address the root cause, the problem of substance abuse will continue. Yes, campaigns are good for educating, but let’s focus more on the root causes,” he said.
Some of the substances that youths in Hatcliffe and other areas abuse include marijuana, crystal meth (commonly known as mutoriro), broncleer, glue, and cheap illicit alcohol called tumbwa, which costs as little as US$1 for two bottles.
The effects of drug abuse have been devastating, leading to increased violence, theft, and even murder, with conflicts between parents and their children, especially mothers and sons, becoming common.
Although the situation in the constituency has improved compared to previous years when areas such as Muzinda and Baghi were heavily affected, Gonese said there was still a lot of work to be done.
He urged the community to identify the factors pushing youths into drug and substance abuse before passing judgment, emphasising the need for collaboration among different stakeholders to create income-generating projects for the youth.
“We must work together as stakeholders to start income generating projects for the youth so that they are not idle. The office of the MP alone cannot do it,” he added.
Speaking at the same occasion, Zinoro Simon from the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training said lack of recreational grounds was contributing to drug abuse and urged the local authority to allocate for these.
“We don’t have enough playing grounds, which then leads youths into indulging in drug and substance abuse. We appeal to the council and local government to provide us space for recreation so youths can find something productive to occupy their time,” he said.
On behalf of Hatcliffe residents, Ward 42 councilor Elvis Ruzani commended the church leaders and the community for organizing the event.
New Ziana
