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.

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.

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.