By Godwin Gumbo

In a bold step toward combating the scourge of drug and substance abuse, Heal Us Zimbabwe officially launched its 2025 Walkathon from Plumtree to Harare, a symbolic and physically demanding journey covering over 600 kilometers.

The send-off ceremony, held on Monday, 2 June 2025, at the Plumtree Town Council TMB Hall, brought together various government departments from Bulilima and Mangwe, traditional leaders including Chief Hikwa, Chief Wasi, Chief Tshitshi, Chief Sangulube, Chief Sangulube, Chief Bango and Chief Bango as well as community stakeholders. The Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Matabeleland South, Honourable Albert Nguluvhe, officiated the event.

In his keynote address, Hon. Nguluvhe commended the initiative and underlined the urgent need to address drug and substance abuse in border towns.

“Drug and substance abuse continues to have a grim grip on the younger generation, especially in border towns, which serve as passageways for most contraband,” he said.
“I salute these young men for committing to a cause greater than yourselves. I believe in a Zimbabwe where young people are not slaves to drugs and substance abuse, it’s very rare for our children who are taking drugs to come out and seek help or even encourage others to quit drugs when they have conquered the habit themselves, thus this is a Commendable stride.

He also praised the presence and support of Chiefs and Headmen from Bulilima and Mangwe, calling it a bold statement that demonstrated the collective nature of the fight against drug and substance abuse. Their involvement, he said, underscored the importance of traditional leadership in tackling the crisis at the community level.

Adding her voice of support, Acting District Development Coordinator (DDC) for Mangwe, Mrs. R. Sawuramba delivered a solidarity message. She emphasized the need for coordinated efforts from all sectors of society to protect future generations.

“This initiative reflects the kind of unity and responsibility our communities need. We must all take a stand—parents, schools, churches, and leadership structures—to ensure we do not lose more young people to drugs.”

Most participants in the Walkathon are themselves survivors of drug addiction, turning their painful pasts into powerful testimonies of hope.
Mr. Columbus Mushore, founder of Heal Us Zimbabwe, shared how substance abuse once landed him in a psychiatric institution. Another participant, Kudakwashe, recounted a near-death experience that led to his awakening and transformation.
Teddy, a 21-year-old former football prospect, narrated how his promising high school sports career was derailed by drug use.

Headman Godzi, who also spoke during the send-off, bemoaning the growing trend of illicit alcohol cheaply available and implored law enforcement to act accordingly. ” Our children are getting excessively intoxicated with illicit beer with 43% alcohol content for just 5 Rand.” It is heartbreaking when you come across these youths in the streets under the influence and can barely stand up straight.”

The event concluded with a heartening show of support from government departments, traditional leaders, and the local business community, who collectively donated R 2,000 and USD 100 to help fund the Walkathon to Harare.

Heal Us Zimbabwe was formed in 2022 with the aim of improving the lives of those affected by substance abuse. The formation of this organisation was inspired by the organisation’s chairman, who personally battled addiction and successfully recovered through rehabilitation. Ever since Heal Us Zimbabwe has been on a mission to spread awareness, reduce stigma and access to rehabilitation services.

As part of additional activities along the way, the Walkathon team will also conduct engagements in schools and communities along the route, holding awareness sessions aimed at educating young people about the dangers of drug and substance abuse and inspiring them to choose healthier paths.

This initiative is a beacon of hope for affected communities, especially in border towns where the fight against drug and substance abuse is not just urgent—but essential.