By Chantelle Muzanenhamo
THE Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Matabeleland South, Honourable Albert Nguluvhe, has officially launched the Beitbridge District Drug and Substance Abuse Awareness Campaign, calling on churches, communities and law enforcement agencies to take collective responsibility in confronting the growing drug menace in the province.
Addressing churches and stakeholders at Pagomba on Sunday, Nguluvhe said the province established a Provincial Committee on Drug and Substance Abuse, cascaded to district levels under a Whole of Government and Society Approach, to strengthen coordination and enforcement.
“With the recently gazetted Statutory Instrument, I expect law enforcement agencies to net more perpetrators for possession, trading and consumption of dangerous substances. Emerging illicit brews such as intshengu and musombodhiya are now prohibited, while crystal meth, also known as mutoriro or nyaope, falls under the Dangerous Drugs Act with stiffer penalties,” he said.
Nguluvhe also highlighted the need for treatment, rehabilitation and reintegration of survivors, revealing plans to establish rehabilitation centres at grassroots level, with a provincial centre already identified in Gwanda.
“I will be tasking all local authorities to avail infrastructure that can be repurposed into treatment and rehabilitation centres. Let us all contribute towards operationalising these facilities,” he said, urging individuals, churches and corporates to support the 67 identified centres through cash or in-kind contributions.
Nguluvhe further appealed for responsible use of government resources and encouraged parents, guardians, churches and communities to practise positive parenting and collectively eliminate the growing drug culture.
“The attainment of Vision 2030 depends on the contribution of every citizen. Let us work together to protect our societal values and Ubuntu,” he said.
Nguluvhe urged churches to play a more active role in the fight, expressing concern that some religious leaders were allegedly involved in drug-related activities.
“The church must take responsibility in this fight. It is worrying that even some church pastors are now involved in drugs. That is not acceptable,” he said.
He said Matabeleland South’s proximity to one of the busiest border posts in the region makes communities more exposed to different types of illicit drugs, increasing vulnerability, particularly among youths.
Nguluvhe called on local residents to assist authorities by reporting suspected drug dealers within their neighbourhoods, stressing that community vigilance was key to dismantling drug networks.
“This fight cannot be won by government alone. Communities must speak out and report those involved in drugs. Silence only allows the problem to grow,” he said.
He also urged the police and other law enforcement agencies to act decisively and hold drug peddlers and sellers accountable, adding that intensified surveillance had already resulted in arrests and prosecutions.
Echoing the Nguluvhe’s sentiments, ACCZ President Bishop Edgar Maireva urged churches to actively participate in the campaign, saying faith institutions have a critical role in restoring hope, guiding young people and strengthening communities.
The launch marked a renewed commitment by government, churches and stakeholders to confront drug and substance abuse in Beitbridge and across Matabeleland South.