Vice-President Kembo Mohadi has called on traditional leaders and communities to intensify the fight against drug and substance abuse, warning that the scourge is threatening families, community values and the transmission of Zimbabwe’s cultural heritage.
Mohadi made the remarks on Sunday during the official opening of the Tshitaudze Heritage Festival in Beitbridge, where he linked the fight against substance abuse to efforts to preserve cultural values and protect young people.
He said drug and substance abuse, including the use of marijuana and crystal methamphetamine, was increasingly affecting communities across the country.
“Fellow Zimbabweans, allow me to make a special appeal on an issue that threatens the well-being of our community and the future of our young people. The scourge of drug and substance abuse, including marijuana and crystal meth, is making fools out of young girls. Insubordination and the misuse of drugs are affecting communities across our country,” Mohadi said.
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He said substance abuse was no longer confined to young people, but was also affecting women, parents and older people.
“It is no longer only the youth of Zimbabwe, but also young women. In the house, mothers, fathers and even grandparents are also affected,” he said.
Mohadi said communities struggling with substance abuse would find it difficult to preserve and pass on cultural values and traditions to younger generations.
“So a community struggling with substance abuse cannot easily protect this culture we are talking about today. An elder, whose life is consumed by alcohol or drugs, cannot effectively pass on the wisdom of Zimbabwean culture, Zimbabwean tradition and Zimbabwean heritage to the young people,” he said.
“A mother affected by substance abuse may struggle to fulfil her role in transmitting cultural knowledge to her children.”
He said young people battling drug addiction could also struggle to participate in cultural activities, education and other productive pursuits.
“A young person struggling with drug abuse cannot easily participate in cultural activities, education or in any productive way. The danger of substance abuse, therefore, threatens more than individual lives. It can weaken families, undermine community values, contribute to gender-based violence and crime, and increase the risk of teenage pregnancy and school dropouts,” Mohadi said.
He said tackling drug abuse was therefore also about protecting families, communities and Zimbabwe’s cultural heritage.
“In that sense, the fight against drug use also requires us to protect our families, our communities and our heritage. I, therefore, call upon the entire community. Let us stand firmly against drug trafficking in our communities,” he said.
Mohadi also called for greater support for people struggling with addiction, including rehabilitation and recovery programmes.
“Let us protect those who suffer from the destruction of our culture. At the same time, let us support rehabilitation and recovery. Ensure that those struggling with addiction are not ignored or abandoned,” he said.
He urged traditional leaders to use their positions to address drug abuse and maintain social order within their communities.
“Play your role. Make sure that you meet the bar in this case of drug abuse. The Traditional Leaders Act provides an important framework for preserving cultural values and maintaining social order,” Mohadi said.
He further urged traditional leaders and communities to work with law enforcement agencies to tackle drug trafficking.
“I, therefore, urge you to strengthen community surveillance, use formal structures to identify threats, and work with law enforcement authorities to address drug trafficking,” he said.
Mohadi also encouraged communities to use customary mechanisms to discourage drug-related activities and support young people affected by substance abuse.
“Use local customary mechanisms to discourage activities that turn homesteads and communities into centres of drug abuse. Promote cultural teaching and, where appropriate, cleansing and community-based programmes to help reconnect young people to a more free and comfortable community life, and, most importantly, work with local communities,” he said.
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