Hundreds of residents gathered at Victory Park (Solomio) on Friday, November 7, for the Ward 7 Anti-Drug and Substance Abuse Awareness Campaign, a strong community response to the growing threat of drug and substance abuse among Zimbabwean youths.
The event was spearheaded by ZANU PF Councillor Charles Humbato and brought together political leaders, law enforcement, schools, and community organisations under the theme “Better to build a child than to repair a man.” The message underscored the need for early intervention and community vigilance to protect children from the dangers of drug abuse.
In his opening remarks, Cllr Humbato explained why the campaign is deliberately held in November. “We have deliberately chosen November for this anti-drug awareness campaign because this is precisely when our Grade 7 students have finished writing their national examinations and are home for the first time without the structured environment of school,” he said.
“These young people, aged 12 to 13, are at a critical transition point before entering secondary school in January. Research shows this is when they are most vulnerable to drug experimentation due to increased free time and reduced adult supervision. It’s better to build a child than to repair a man – that’s why we intervene now.”
Grade 7 pupils typically complete their exams in early October, leaving them with a long, unstructured holiday before starting Form 1. According to national health and education authorities, this period poses a heightened risk of drug initiation — making the campaign’s timing both strategic and necessary.
United Front Against Drug Abuse
The event drew a wide range of dignitaries and community leaders, including Cde Golden Mujahwe (ZANU PF Central Committee Member), Cde Kudzanayi Majuru (Vice Chairman, Mashonaland East Province), Cde Ben Chiwandire (Vice Chairman, DCC Goromonzi), Cde Asan Seremani, Cde Jay Mabasa, and representatives from the Ministry of Youth, the Women’s League, and the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP).
Community contributor Mr K.A. Madani, who sponsored t-shirts for participating children, was also recognised for his support.
Police Emphasize Prevention Through Partnership
Law enforcement played a central role in the campaign, with the ZRP Ruwa CID Drugs and Narcotics Division delivering a strong message on partnership and prevention.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police stands firmly with communities like Ward 7 in the fight against drug and substance abuse,” said Detective Sergeant Calphen Foya.
“Our division is committed not only to enforcement but also to education and prevention. We cannot arrest our way out of this crisis – we must work hand-in-hand with parents, schools, and community leaders to protect our children before they fall victim to these destructive substances. Every child we save today is a family we keep intact tomorrow.”
The visible police presence reassured residents and reinforced the idea that addressing drug abuse requires a united, multi-sectoral approach.
Youth Voices Lead the Message
Local schools and youth groups played an active part in the campaign, using drama, poetry, and music to communicate the dangers of drug and substance abuse in engaging and relatable ways. Testimonies from affected families and educational presentations by the CID Drugs and Narcotics team brought home the real-life impact of substance misuse and the importance of making positive life choices.
A National Crisis Requiring Local Solutions
Zimbabwe continues to face a worsening drug and substance abuse crisis, with young people at the centre. National statistics indicate that over 57% of youths have engaged in substance abuse, while 80% of admissions at major mental health hospitals are linked to drug-induced psychosis — much of it among juveniles.
The Government’s Multi-Sectoral Drug and Substance Abuse Plan (2024–2030) and community-driven efforts like the Ruwa Ward 7 campaign are vital steps toward reversing this alarming trend.
A Model for Community Action
The Ward 7 Anti-Drug and Substance Abuse Awareness Campaign stands as a model for how communities can unite across political, educational, and law enforcement lines to confront the drug crisis head-on.
By targeting Grade 7 pupils at a vulnerable age and empowering them with knowledge before they enter secondary school, the initiative truly embodies its guiding principle: “Better to build a child than to repair a man.”
The collaborative spirit and foresight demonstrated in Ruwa offer a hopeful blueprint for other communities across Zimbabwe determined to protect their youth and secure the nation’s future.
Yah every1 should join hands in fighting this scourge