Hwange

Government launches fundraising campaign to combat drug and substance abuse in Mat North

Published

4 hours ago

August 20, 2025

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

In a bid to tackle the growing problem of drug and substance abuse, the government has launched a fundraising campaign in Matabeleland North Province.

The event, scheduled to take place on Friday, at the Edmund Davis Hall in Hwange, aims to raise awareness and funds to support initiatives combating drug and substance abuse in the region.

Edgar Moyo, Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, is expected to be the guest of honour at the event, while Richard Moyo, Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Matabeleland North, will host the gathering.

Background: Zimbabwe’s Growing Drug Abuse Epidemic

Zimbabwe is grappling with a growing drug abuse epidemic, particularly among its youth. According to recent reports, more than 43% of adolescents and young adults used drugs in 2017, increasing to nearly 45% in 2018 and over 57% by 2019.

The most commonly abused drugs in Zimbabwe include codeine, methamphetamine (crystal meth), glue, bronclee, solvents, chlorpromazine, mangemba, cane spirit, cocaine, and cannabis/marijuana.

Globally, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) estimates that 3.5% to 5.7% of persons between the ages of 15 and 64, or between 155 and 250 million people, used illicit drugs at least once in 2013. This number increased to 296 million in 2023, representing a 23% global increase in people using illicit drugs.

In Zimbabwe, the problem is compounded by acute socio-economic challenges, including poverty, unemployment, and mental health issues. The ease of access to drugs and porous borders also contribute to the growing problem, researchers note.

Hwange

Silibaziso Mlotshwa to be installed as new Chief Mvuthu

Published

1 week ago

August 13, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

A historic installation ceremony is set to take place on Friday, as Silibaziso Mlotshwa, daughter of the late Chief Mvuthu, Nyangayezizwe Mlotshwa, is scheduled to take over as the new chief.

The installation comes after a prolonged dispute over the chieftaincy, which had been held up since Chief Mvuthu’s passing in 2014.

According to Paulos Ntini, the Prosecutor General at the Mvuthu’s monarchy, preparations for the ceremony are underway. “Preparations are going on well. So far, the road has been graveled to the homestead, and on Thursday, all the village heads, including myself, will be collecting gifts from the villagers for the ceremony,” he said.

The late Chief Mvuthu’s family had initially nominated his brother, Sanders Mlotshwa, as the successor in December 2014. However, Silibaziso challenged this decision in court, arguing that she was the rightful heir to the throne.

The dispute had resulted in Headman Bishop Matata Sibanda acting as the chief until now.

Chief Mvuthu was a respected traditional leader in Matabeleland North and chaired the Hwange Community Share Ownership Scheme. He was also a retiree of Hwange Colliery Company, having left his job in 2008 to take over the chieftaincy.

Hwange

Hwange Colliery Company to resume alcohol monitoring program

Published

1 week ago

August 12, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY STAFF REPORTER

Hwange Colliery Company Limited has announced that its Alcohol Monitoring Program will officially resume on Wednesday, across all areas.

According to a memo , the program is a critical part of the company’s commitment to safety, health, and productivity. It is implemented in line with the company’s workplace policies and legal obligations.

The memo stated that ensuring a substance-free work environment, especially in high-risk areas, is essential to the wellbeing of all employees and the overall performance of the organization.

All employees are expected to comply fully with the requirements of the program. Testing will be conducted randomly and routinely as stipulated in the Alcohol & Drug Monitoring Procedure (SHEQP 2.09).

The memo also warned that appropriate disciplinary procedures will apply in cases of non-compliance or policy violation.

Hwange

Teacher sentenced to 15 months for assaulting student with wooden stick

Published

3 weeks ago

July 28, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

A Hwange Magistrates’ Court has convicted and sentenced a 27-year-old teacher, Shyleen Nenduva, to 15 months imprisonment for brutally assaulting a 15-year-old grade 7 student.

According to court records, on July 9, Nenduva from Gwai, struck the student several times on the back with a wooden stick, punched him once in the chest, and violently pushed him onto a desk. The assault resulted in the student sustaining a swollen and painful right elbow.

The court heard that the incident occurred after the student misbehaved outside the classroom, prompting Nenduva to caution him. However, a misunderstanding ensued, leading to the physical altercation.

In sentencing Nenduva, the court suspended 6 months of the imprisonment term for 5 years. The remaining 9 months were suspended on condition that Nenduva performs 315 hours of community service.