By Staff Reporter
Three lawmakers have joined forces to combat the rising scourge of drug and substance abuse in Mudzi District, Mashonaland East.
The initiative, led by Zanu PF Members of Parliament Knowledge Kaitano (Mudzi West), Benjamin Musweweshiri (Mudzi South), and Jonathan Samukange (Mudzi North), culminated in a weekend sports tournament designed to raise awareness and empower the community.
Held at Kaitano Primary School in Mudzi West, the event was themed “Fighting Drugs and Substance Abuse Through Sports” and attracted soccer and netball teams from the three constituencies.
The tournament aimed to spotlight the dangers of drugs while encouraging young people to channel their energy into sports and community-building activities.
Speaking at the event, Kaitano highlighted the urgent need for community-based approaches to tackle the drug crisis.
“Drugs are eating away at the very fabric of our society, particularly among our youth. Through sports, we are not just giving them a platform to showcase their talent but also reminding them that they have the power to choose a better, healthier path. Drugs are not the solution; they are the problem, and we must continue this fight together,” Kaitano said.
He also highlighted the broader consequences of drug abuse, calling it a destructive force that impacts families and communities.
“Substance abuse doesn’t just destroy the individual; it tears apart families and communities. It leads to a life of crime, poor health, and lost opportunities. This tournament is one of many steps we are taking to remind our youth that there is a brighter future ahead, free from the chains of drugs.” he explained.
Local traditional leaders welcomed the initiative, with Headman John Marumisa lauding the MPs for fostering unity in the fight against drug abuse.
“As traditional leaders, we commend the MPs for bringing the community together in fighting the scourge of drug abuse. Drugs are a big problem, but this event gives us hope that we can rise above it and live a better life,” Marumisa said
Headman Marumisa noted an uptick in drug-related cases in traditional courts, particularly incidents involving young men returning home intoxicated.
Participants in the tournament expressed their commitment to becoming advocates against drug abuse.
“Through this tournament, I am going back home to advocate for ending this menace in our society. Off the pitch, I am going to recruit young people in my community to join others in anti-drug abuse campaigns.” said Lavender Zuze, a 20-year-old netball player from Makaha in Mudzi South
Soccer player Oscar Tsiko, 20, from Mudzi West, also vowed to lead efforts among his peers.
“A lot of my peers are using drug substances because they lack knowledge. But from here, I am going to preach the dangers of drug abuse and bring them to play soccer so that we can achieve our dreams.” ,” Tsiko said.
The fight against drugs has taken center stage in the country, with President Emmerson Mnangagwa declaring drug abuse a national disaster.
He has called for stringent measures against drug peddlers, including harsh penalties, to curb the vice threatening the country’s youth.
