By Chantelle Muzanenhamo
Minister of State for Matabeleland South Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Albert Nguluvhe, has sounded the alarm over escalating drug abuse in Beitbridge urban, identifying Ward 4 as a hotspot where illegal substances are openly sold and consumed.
Speaking at Ziyah Media Soccer Tournament on Sunday, Nguluvhe said drug abuse had reached worrying levels, cutting across all sectors of society.
“Ward 4 has become a hotspot for drug activities. They are selling drugs there,” he said.
“Drug abuse now knows no boundaries even some teachers and doctors are now involved. What will our children learn from such behaviour?” he asked.
He said the province’s small population already places Matabeleland South at a disadvantage in national development strategies, and drug abuse threatens to worsen the situation.
“Our province has the lowest population, and that alone means we risk being left behind in development initiatives,” he said.
“If our young people take drugs, how will they focus, build their future or raise families? They are the leaders of tomorrow, and they must stay sober and disciplined.”
Nguluvhe urged youths to reject drugs and instead channel their energy into education, sports, innovation and community development.
He emphasised that the fight against drugs required collective responsibility from parents, schools, community leaders and law-enforcement agencies.
Zimbabwe has in recent years witnessed a surge in drug and substance abuse, particularly among youth. Commonly abused substances include crystal meth (“mutoriro”), cough syrups with codeine, broncleer, alcohol concoctions, marijuana, and illicit home-brewed spirits.
The rise has been linked to unemployment, social pressures, easy access to illegal drugs, and the influence of organised drug syndicates operating in both urban and peri-urban areas.
In response Government has launched several measures to curb the crisis, including The National Drug and Substance Abuse Taskforce, operating under the Office of the President and Cabinet, coordinating nationwide interventions.
Regular police raids, awareness campaigns carried out in schools, churches and communities to educate young people on the dangers of drug abuse and Strengthening rehabilitation and counselling services, including upgrading facilities and integrating drug recovery support in public health institutions.
Stricter border controls, especially at high-risk entry points such as Beitbridge, to prevent smuggling of illegal substances.
Despite these efforts, authorities acknowledge that drug abuse remains a national threat requiring sustained multi-sectoral action and deeper support from families and communities.