Amongst young Zimbabweans, a sinister threat lurks, targeting the most vulnerable members of society: teenagers. The scourge of drug and substance abuse has been spreading, ensnaring young minds and destroying futures. The statistics are alarming amid revelations that at least 60% of all psychiatric admission are linked to drug abuse, but what’s even more disturbing is the creative ways teenagers are getting hooked. Everyday items like baby diapers, instant millet porridge, and maize snacks have become the unlikely tools of intoxication.

Boarding schools have been forced to take drastic measures, banning students from bringing instant maize porridge to school, which is fermented to create a potent brew. The situation is dire, and it’s clear that society has been caught off guard. But amidst the chaos, a beacon of hope has emerged. The National Aids Council and ZiCHIRE, an organization dedicated to Social Behaviour Change (SBC), launched a campaign against the ravaging pandemic of drug and substance misuse.

On January 16, 2024, the town came together for a road show, a rallying cry against the devastating effects of drug and substance abuse. The event began with a procession from Dingumuzi Rank to Ephaneni bus terminus, where scores of people gathered to join the campaign. The message was clear: drug and substance abuse is a pandemic that requires urgent attention and collective action.

Mr. Zwelempi Ngwenya, Director of the National Aids Council in Bulilima District, emphasized the importance of a united approach in combating drug and substance abuse. “We have re-imagined combatting drug and substance use, and we have engaged line ministries and other stakeholders, including the office of the District Development Coordinator, in fighting drug and substance use.” He called on communities to act in unison, stressing that parents must take an active role in preventing drug abuse. “When children are intoxicated, they commit various crimes in society, like sexual violence and theft, while others commit violent crimes or worse – commit suicide due to deteriorated mental health.”

The voices of the young people themselves are a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of drug and substance abuse. A handful of youths who spoke to our news crew shared their personal stories of loss and regret. “As young people, we take drastic decisions when intoxicated and end up regretting them,” one participant said, speaking on condition of anonymity. “Some of us end up falling pregnant at vuzu parties or getting hooked on the drugs.”

An elderly participant witjin the crowd, emphasized the importance of protecting the emerging generation. “This road show is an act to show how much the older generation wants to see the emerging generation with a brighter, drug-free future.” He issued a stern warning to drug peddlers: “To those who sell drugs, you must realize that you have a hand in the destruction of the future of our children.”

As the campaign against drug and substance abuse gains momentum, it’s clear that the battle will be long and arduous. But with the collective efforts of the community, the National Aids Council, and organizations like ZiCHIRE, there is hope for a brighter, drug-free future. The question is, will it be enough to stem the tide of this hidden epidemic, or will the devastating consequences of drug and substance abuse continue to ravage the lives of young people in Plumtree and Zimbabwe as a Whole?

By Godwin Gumbo