Masvingo Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Hon. Ezra Ruvai Chadzamira, has called on churches, families and communities to unite in the fight against drug and substance abuse, describing it as a serious threat to Zimbabwe’s future.
He was speaking at a fundraising event held by the Reformed Church in Zimbabwe (RCZ) Masvingo Congregation on Saturday.
Hon. Chadzamira warned that drug and substance abuse is eroding the moral fabric of society and destroying the country’s most valuable resource its youth.
“This menace is robbing us of a generation. Our children are our inheritance. We must not watch while their lives are being ruined by drugs and other harmful substances,” he said.
The Minister urged churches to take an active leadership role in confronting the scourge, noting that faith-based institutions have the trust and reach to influence behaviour at grassroots level.
“Churches must not only preach salvation, but also defend the soul of the nation. We need every pulpit, every family, every community speaking with one voice against this crisis,” he said.
The event, themed “Partnering Christ in His Mission”, brought together church leaders, government officials and community members for a fundraising program aimed at developing the congregation’s infrastructure.
As part of his contribution, Hon. Chadzamira donated a fully drilled borehole and pledged an additional US$1,300 to complete the installation of the water system. The gesture was warmly received by the congregation, which has long struggled with water access.
“Our support must go beyond words. We must uplift communities spiritually and materially. Access to clean water is a basic right, and I’m proud to partner with the church in delivering that,” said the Minister.
Hon. Chadzamira praised the Reformed Church’s long-standing contributions to national development, particularly in education, health, and social welfare. He said government values the church as a partner in achieving Vision 2030.
“The State and the Church are inseparable. We complement each other in building peace, unity and progress. Let us continue to pray for good harvests, economic stability, and a morally grounded nation,” he said.
He also applauded the Masvingo congregation, known locally as Chiunga Mai (the mother congregation), for spearheading resource mobilization initiatives that go beyond the church to benefit the broader community.
In his closing remarks, Hon. Chadzamira called for unity of purpose and reaffirmed his personal commitment to supporting the church’s mission.
“We are the chosen ones to build the house of the Lord, stone by stone. Let us remain united in faith and action,” he said.
The event served as both a spiritual and social call to action, as church and community leaders pledged to support the fight against drug abuse while continuing to invest in local development.
