In the community
Victoria Falls residents gather to tackle drugs and substance abuse among youths
BY BRENDA NCUBE
Victoria Falls residents and community leaders have bemoaned the rise in alcohol and drug substances abuse among the youth in the tourism resort, amid revelations that peer pressure, unemployment, lack of legislative frameworks and political interference was hampering efforts to arrest the scourge.
Frustrated residents vented during a recent meeting called by the Hwange West Member of Parliament Godfrey Dube which sought to map some solutions to prevent, fight and combat alcohol and drug substances abuse in the community.
Zimbabwe Republic Police is currently on an operation that has been dubbed “No to dangerous drugs and illicit substances, and on Monday, they arrested 24 people across the country, bringing cumulative arrests to 2 152.
During the meeting, residents submitted that drug suppliers and dealers were well-known cartels that even police know of, but because of their links, nothing was being done to them.
Former ward six councillor Ephias Mambume said the issue of youths was being fueled by misplaced priorities especially towards power retention by the politicians at the expense of funding programs like drug abuse.
“We cannot win this war on drugs if we fail to eliminate the supply and availability of illicit drugs in the market, ”
Mambume told the gathering at Brethren in Christ Church on Saturday.
“The police know who and where these people are and it is their job to arrest them.
“At central government we have a national drug master plan which covers 2022-25 but there misplaced priorities at the top there.
“Money is spent on useless things especially towards retention at the expense of programs like these.
These are the same youths that we need to vote us back to power yet we are not funding projects that will make them disciplined individuals in society. ” he said.
He, however, implored residents to alert police by giving them information or leads to drug dealers and further called churches, parents and schools among other stakeholders to join hands.
His sentiments were also echoed by another resident who said: “Everyone here knows who the kingpin of drug dealerships and distribution in this town is but they are still walking scot-free under the protection of the police,” he claimed.
“Some kids once stole my drums and went on to exchange them with drugs.
“When we involved the police the person said they are his friends and he will just give them money and go back to continue with his dealership.”
According to councillor for ward 10 Nkanyiso Sibindi, youths are pushed into taking drugs and alcohol by the lack of employment and recreational facilities.
“The problems that the youths are facing in Victoria Falls are unemployment, peer pressure and lack of recreational facilities to keep them occupied. In this meeting we have proffered solutions to address these challenges,” he told VicFallsLive on the sidelines.
In a move to provide solutions to challenges faced by the youth in Victoria Falls’ deputy Mayor Patricia Mwale said there was need for repossession properties such as Victoria Falls Club and the community swimming pool that we leased to certain individuals who are not living up to the council’s agreement as they allow youths to use the spaces for free and commit illicit crimes.
Speaking into unemployment one of the residents said that local companies must employ locally.
“The hotel industry must employ local graduates and stop bringing in people from outside,” one concerned resident suggested.
“We need our community leaders and civic society groups to approach these companies and make it a deliberate policy that they should employ local graduates and stop using our children as free labor in the name of training them.
“This puts them through a lot of stress and in the end they turn into drugs as they say hope deferred makes the heart sick.”
In response to submissions by residents and stakeholders, Dube said he will take them up to government tiers that deal with such issues.
“To look at the issue of unemployment and sporting facilities that will keep our children occupied I will engage the ministry sports and the ministry of labor and social welfare with issues that have been brought up by the community and various stakeholders,” he said.
“From here, we will produce a positional paper which will be copied to the City council, the police, the Minister, the President and everyone concerned to say this is where we stand as Victoria Falls on the issue of drugs and this is what we want.”
Dube implored the community to be on the alert and work together with the police to report cases of drug abuse or dealership in a bid to reduce alcohol and drug substances abuse
He added that he will continue calling for such meetings in schools, churches and public spaces until the abuse of alcohol and drug substances is significantly eradicated.
BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI
Meet Marvin Dube, a gospel artist with a voice that can move mountains. Born in Kadoma and raised in various towns across Zimbabwe, Marvin’s roots trace back to Binga Junamina village, where his Tonga heritage runs deep.
Now based in the United Kingdom, Marvin is making waves in the gospel music scene with his latest single, “Munoziva Zvose,” set to release on August 3rd.
The song was born out of a powerful vision shared by Marvin’s friend, Simbayi Zwidza. “He saw a vivid image of God knowing everything we go through, even the things we don’t understand,” Marvin recounts.This message resonated deeply with Marvin, prompting him to write a verse thanking God for his grace in the face of hardship.
“‘Munoziva Zvose’ is a message of hope and comfort,” Marvin explains. “It reminds people that they’re not alone in their struggles. God is with them, knows their struggles, and will answer their prayers.” The song is a testament to Marvin’s artistic vision: using his music to touch lives, heal the brokenhearted, and spread God’s love.
What makes this track even more special is that Marvin is featuring on it alongside Simbayi Zwidza, whose vision inspired the song. “I’m thrilled to be collaborating with Simbayi on this powerful track,” Marvin says. “Together, we’re bringing a message of hope and comfort to those who need it most.”
Marvin Dube
What sets “Munoziva Zvose” apart from Marvin’s previous releases is its deeper, more reverent tone. The song leans towards worship music, encouraging a stronger connection with God. With its powerful melody, strong vocals, and heartfelt lyrics, this song is a blessing for anyone seeking a more profound connection with God, he says.
Marvin’s church, Spoken Ministry, has been incredibly supportive of this project, and he knows it will strengthen and edify the body of Christ. With Simbayi’s gift as a missionary preacher, the song’s potential to reach more people and share the message of faith is amplified.
“This song is a tool for evangelism,” Marvin says. “We plan to use this release to inspire others, share the message of hope, and continue to drive the missionary work we’re passionate about.”
Get ready to be inspired by Marvin Dube’s “Munoziva Zvose,” a song that will resonate with anyone facing difficult times and remind them that God is always with them.
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