By Chantelle Muzanenhamo
President Emmerson Mnangagwa has called on traditional leaders and key government ministries to intensify efforts to address social issues such as drug abuse, gender-based violence (GBV), child pregnancies, and early marriages, currently affecting the moral fabric of the country.
Speaking at the launch of the cultural month in Chiredzi on Thursday, Mnangagwa acknowledged progress in cultural revival but emphasized that these social ills threaten the moral fabric of Zimbabwean society.
“While our commemorations continue to document our success stories in cultural renaissance, we still grapple with societal ills affecting the moral fabric of our nation. These include; drug and substance abuse, gender-based violence, child pregnancies and early child marriages, among others,” Mnangagwa stated.
He urged traditional leaders and ministries responsible for Social Welfare, Primary and Secondary Education, and other stakeholders to implement concrete interventions aimed at protecting the youth and future generations.
The President highlighted the rising cases of drug and substance abuse among young people and cited statistics indicating that nearly half of Zimbabwe’s female population has experienced gender-based violence. Additionally, about one in three women was married during childhood.
Mnangagwa also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to investing in education, infrastructure, and the arts to promote cultural preservation and support the creative industries. He announced that funds have been allocated to establish, renovate, and equip cultural centers across the country, which will serve as hubs for traditional music, dance, art, and crafts.
Furthermore, the government plans to develop film studios to bolster the local film industry, including funding for infrastructure, equipment, and capacity-building programs for filmmakers. These initiatives aim to preserve Zimbabwe’s rich cultural heritage and promote creative industries nationally.