By McGeorge Mbare
THE three co-founders of Heal Us Zimbabwe, Columbus Mushore, Kudakwashe Mafuta, and Terrence Shenje began their 580 kilometre journey on foot from Beitbridge to Harare on Saturday (27/06/2026), pushing an awareness campaign against drug and substance abuse .
Following their 2024 and 2025 similar events, the 2026 walkathon will mark their third edition.
Speaking at the send-off event, Matabeleland South Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Albert Nguluvhe, said the walkathon is a great initiative that will help the country at large in the fight against drugs.
“The three gentlemen’s walkathon against drug abuse is commendable. It will take awareness to communities along the way,” Nguluvhe said.
He pleaded with the public to assist and donate anything they can to support the Heal Us Zimbabwe crew as they undertake the walkathon.
People at the send-off later contributed R1,000 and more than US$130 to send off the Heal Us Zimbabwe walkathon team.
Youth MP Tinashe Mushipe said “the three members of Heal Us Zimbabwe play a significant role in raising drug awareness among young people”.
He was grateful to those who pledged and donated money to support the crew.
Speaking to Ziyah News Network, co-founder Mushore said: “We all survived drug and substance abuse. Now we want to create awareness at every opportunity and help our young generation avoid the path we once took.”
In their past two editions, the team took 23 days to walk from Beitbridge to Harare in 2024 and they also walked from Plumtree to Harare in 2025.
Zimbabwe is intensifying its nationwide crackdown on drug and substance abuse, driven by a sharp rise in methamphetamine (“mutoriro”) and prescription cough syrups.
The government has established a national inter-ministerial committee, ramped up police raids, and proposed strict new legislation removing fines and introducing up to 15 years in jail for offenders.
The country’s drug crisis is considered a major public health and security threat.