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Zimbabwe counts costs of rise in illicit alcohol use driven by economic hardships

Published

4 years ago

September 27, 2021

BY NYASHA CHINGONO

It is 7pm and inside the shebeen, or unlicensed bar, in Harare, men and women clutch small bottles of “whisky” and talk animatedly as they dance to loud music.

One man staggers and falls over, to the amusement of other drinkers.

He mumbles inaudible words as he drifts into sleep.

Nearby, two other men doze after spending hours in the bar on a sweltering September day.

A group of drinkers erupt into laughter as their young friend soils himself.

“He does this all this time. The young boy is a bad drinker,” one says.

This popular shebeen in Mabvuku, east of central Harare, serves up cheap booze and big profits for the manager, Wellington Musema*.

“I sell close to 12 cartons [144 bottles] of whisky every day,” he says. “I make a lot of money.”

But most of the alcohol on sale is illegal.

Bottles of potent moonshine brews, sold under the guise of whisky, gin and vodka, have flooded Zimbabwe over the past few years.

Known by street names such as musombodia, kachasu or tumbwa, the drinks are made by mixing ethanol or methanol with a brownish colouring.

Illegal distillers dilute it with water to reduce the alcohol content.

The liquid is then packaged as a legitimate bottle of spirits, complete with imitation labels for brands such as Jameson Irish whiskey, Two Keys and Four Cousins.

Even more illicit whisky known as Soldier is sold in plastic sachets.

For 50 US cents (36p), drinkers can buy a 200ml bottle of very strong fake whisky. For US$5 (£3.60), they can buy 12 bottles.

But while the packaging may claim the drink is 40 percent alcohol, in reality the content could be much higher, making it dangerously intoxicating and addictive.

“Whenever you see someone sleeping by the roadside, either in the heat or in rain, know that these are the effects of this [drink]. It is highly intoxicating and has become highly addictive,” says Samuel Munetsi*, 43, at the shebeen.

While some of the fake spirits are smuggled into the country through the porous borders, others are made locally in backyard stills.

In Harare’s Graniteside industrial estate, several backyard stills have emerged, taking advantage of the increased demand for the illicit drinks after the government closed the beerhalls in March last year at the start of Covid lockdowns.

At Musema’s shebeen in Mabvuku, bottles and red bottle tops are strewn all over the floor.

“My suppliers are in Mbare and always give me good deals because of the volumes I push daily,” says Musema, whose shebeen is often raided by police.

“I have a special supply from people who make this whisky. They give me discounted rates.”

The 35-year-old makes US$150 on a good day. Business is picking up as the government relaxes its lockdown rules.

Gladmore Muyambo*, 35, says she drinks five bottles of the fake whisky a day, as well as lagers and traditional sorghum beer.

Muyambo goes from shebeen to shebeen in the hope that someone will buy her a drink.

Her two young daughters are now cared for by her mother.

“I am divorced, and life has been very tough,” she says.

“There is nothing else to do but to drink.

“This is how I drown my sorrows. But I fear that this could kill me one day.”

Although illicit alcohol is not new to Zimbabwe, sales have grown in the townships – along with the use of crystal meth us – in recent years amid the country’s economic crisis. Zimbabwe has nearly 90 percent unemployment, with young people most affected.

In Mbare, one of Zimbabwe’s oldest townships, whisky hawkers display their wares.

“Give me US$5, I’ll give you the whole pack, this is good quality,” shouts one seller.

Abigail Chifamba*, 26, sits in the sun cleaning red bottle tops with a toothbrush to prepare packaging for her merchandise.

She spends part of her day looking for old whisky bottles she can recycle.

“Packaging is expensive, so I go around looking for used bottles, clean them and repackage the whisky. It is cheaper because they already have labels,” Chifamba says.

She pours brown liquid from a 20-litre container into each bottle, before displaying them on her makeshift stall.

Last month, her neighbour died after a drinking binge.

A postmortem examination showed he had a damaged liver, she says.

“We were shocked at his sudden death and the doctors said most of his internal organs had been seriously damaged.

“I think this is from the heavy drinking of musombodia,” Chifamba says.

Authorities are trying to flush out the illicit alcohol business in Zimbabwe, but it has proved difficult.

Paul Nyathi, a police spokesman, said officers had conducted raids and arrests around the country.

“We are aware that there are people selling fake wines and whiskies made in backyard premises.

“We have conducted raids in Mbare, Highfields and other parts of Zimbabwe apprehending those selling such substances.

“We are working with beverages companies and other relevant authorities.

“We urge members of the public to prioritise their health.”

Wilson Box, director of the Zimbabwe Civil Liberties and Drug Network, said the sale and consumption of illicit alcohol had become a national problem.

“The situation is so bad in high-density areas [and] rural areas. In most ghettoes, this is a substitute for the local lagers.

“The worst-case scenario is that drinkers go into a coma and never recover from it. They die silently but painfully,” Box said.

He urged the government to prioritise cleaning up the streets and closing down the backyard stills.

While the government has set up a national taskforce to deal with endemic drug use, it has yet to do so for alcohol abuse.

“There is no official data on illicit whisky,” he says.

“Illicit whisky should be placed as a priority area, just like drugs, because there is no data on it but the effects are just as alarming.”

Fabian Musoro, national programme manager for the government’s mental health services department, says alcohol addiction is behind an increase in mental health problems in Zimbabwe.

“It is unfortunate that the authorities and experts do not have figures because there are no official studies,” Musoro says.

“We hope that now that government has set a taskforce to look into drugs, studies would be done on alcohol. Evidence is there right in the street.” – The Guardian

Lifestyle

Marvin Dube: Spreading hope and gratitude through gospel music

Published

1 week ago

October 24, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

Born in Kadoma and raised across various towns in Zimbabwe, gospel artist Marvin Dube carries with him the deep spiritual and cultural roots of his Tonga heritage from Junamina village in Binga. Now based in the United Kingdom, Marvin is making waves in the gospel music scene, using his voice and message to uplift, heal, and inspire.

Following his previous single “Munoziva Zvose”, Marvin continues to evolve as a gospel minister and artist. His latest songs, Tinetariro and Tendai Mwari, showcase a refreshing mix of faith, gratitude, and reflection on the moral and spiritual challenges facing society today.

Below are excerpts from his interview with Nokuthaba Dlamini, Managing Editor for VicFallsLive, where Marvin opened up about his inspiration, journey, and the purpose behind his new work.

What inspired these new songs, and what message do you hope listeners take away from them?

Marvin Dube:

Both Tinetariro and Tendai Mwari were born out of reflection and prayer. Tinetariro speaks about hope — the kind that reminds us we are God’s children, even in times of moral decline and confusion. I was inspired by the challenges we are facing today, especially among the youth. Many have lost direction and respect, and social media has become a space where spiritual values are often mocked.

I wanted to use Tinetariro to remind people that there’s still hope for our generation — that God hasn’t forgotten us.

Tendai Mwari carries a message of gratitude. It encourages us to appreciate God for the little we have and to remain thankful even before we receive the big things we dream of — the car, the house, the job. Gratitude opens doors, and I want listeners to embrace that attitude of thankfulness every day.

How do these songs reflect your personal journey or growth as a gospel artist?

Marvin Dube:

These songs mark a point of maturity in my journey. I’ve grown to understand that gospel music is more than melody — it’s ministry. I now write with more purpose, aiming to address real issues affecting believers and society. Tinetariro and Tendai Mwari reflect my growth in both faith and artistry, showing that gospel music can heal, correct, and inspire all at once.

Can you tell us about the creative process, from writing to production, and who you worked with on this project?

Marvin Dube:

My creative process is very spiritual and organic. I draw a lot of inspiration from preaching. Often, a melody will start as a small tune in my mind — it keeps ringing until I can’t ignore it. Usually, the chorus comes first. I then take time to pray for inspiration to write the verses so that the message aligns with what God wants to say through the song.

After that, I play the song on my guitar, record a rough version, and share it with the producer or the band I’ll be working with. For this project, I worked with Hertz Records, who have produced all my music to date. They truly understand my sound and help me bring my ideas to life.

I also want to give a special shout-out to my wife, Leonora, and my two little kids. They’ve been my biggest supporters and motivation throughout this journey. Their love and encouragement mean everything to me.

How do you see gospel music evolving in Zimbabwe and Africa, and where do you see your work fitting into that movement?

Marvin Dube:

Gospel music in Zimbabwe and across Africa is evolving in powerful ways. Artists are finding new ways to reach wider audiences by blending traditional gospel messages with contemporary sounds. It’s exciting to see how the gospel is being shared in modern, relatable ways — especially among young people.

I see my work fitting right into that movement. My goal is to be a bridge between generations — to deliver timeless spiritual truths with a fresh, modern sound that speaks to today’s world while staying true to the Word of God.

What has been the most powerful reaction or testimony you’ve received from people who have listened to your music?

Marvin Dube:

One of the most powerful testimonies I’ve received came from a young listener who said Tinetariro gave them hope again after going through a very dark season. They told me the song reminded them that God still has a plan for their life. Hearing that touched me deeply. It’s moments like those that remind me this is more than music — it’s ministry, and I’m humbled that God is using my songs to touch lives.

Closing Note

Marvin Dube:

I’m truly grateful for the love and support I’ve received for Tinetariro and Tendai Mwari. If you haven’t listened yet, both songs are available on all streaming platforms and on my YouTube channel, Marvin Dube. The year 2026 will be even more exciting, with several projects already in motion that I believe will uplift and bless many lives.

National

Zimbabwe moves to establish tough drug control agency amid rising substance abuse crisis

Published

2 weeks ago

October 22, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

As Zimbabwe battles a surge in drug and substance abuse, the government has tabled a new Bill in Parliament seeking to establish a powerful agency to coordinate enforcement, rehabilitation, and prevention programmes across the country.

The National Drug and Substance Abuse Control and Enforcement Agency Bill (H.B. 12, 2025) proposes the creation of a dedicated agency mandated to combat the supply and demand of illicit drugs, provide rehabilitation services, and strengthen coordination between law enforcement and social service institutions.

According to the explanatory memorandum of the Bill, the agency will operate under two main divisions — a Social Services Intervention Division to focus on prevention, treatment and community rehabilitation, and an Enforcement Division to target supply chains, trafficking networks, and related financial crimes.

The legislation describes drug abuse as “a grave internal national security threat” and “a public health crisis” that fuels organised crime, corruption and violence. It notes that drug profits have enabled criminal cartels to “purchase the instrumentalities of crime, including weapons,” and to corrupt both civilian and non-civilian public officials.

Under the new framework, the agency will have powers to:

Investigate and arrest individuals involved in drug trafficking and production;
Work jointly with the Zimbabwe Republic Police, Zimbabwe Revenue Authority, and Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe;
Establish checkpoints at ports of entry and exit to intercept harmful substances; and
Expand the legal definition of “harmful drugs” to include emerging synthetic substances, in consultation with the Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe.

The Social Services Division will lead prevention campaigns, develop demand-reduction programmes, and facilitate the creation of rehabilitation and detoxification centres nationwide. It will also introduce a monitoring system requiring schools, employers, and local authorities to adopt anti-drug awareness and intervention programmes within 90 days of the Act’s commencement.

Each province and district will host offices of the agency to decentralise services and ensure community-level engagement, while traditional leaders will help devise local prevention strategies.

The Bill further empowers the agency to employ prosecutors from the National Prosecuting Authority to handle drug-related cases, signalling a shift toward specialised prosecution of narcotics offences. It also introduces a new, stricter “standard scale of fines” and penalties for drug crimes — higher than those prescribed under existing criminal laws.

In a major development, the proposed law integrates the agency into Zimbabwe’s Money Laundering and Proceeds of Crime Act, allowing it to pursue unexplained wealth orders and seize assets linked to drug cartels.

The Bill stresses rehabilitation and social reintegration as key pillars. It obliges the agency to support affected individuals through psychosocial counselling, vocational training, and community wellness programmes aimed at helping addicts rebuild their lives.

If passed, the National Drug and Substance Abuse Control and Enforcement Agency will replace fragmented anti-drug efforts currently scattered across ministries and law enforcement agencies, creating a central authority to drive national strategy and coordination.

Parliament is expected to debate the Bill in the coming weeks amid growing concern over youth addiction to crystal meth, cough syrups, and other illicit substances that have taken root in both urban and rural communities.

National

Hwange unit 8 breaks down, deepening Zimbabwe’s power supply challenges

Published

2 weeks ago

October 21, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY WANDILE TSHUMA

ZESA Holdings has announced that Hwange Unit 8 has been taken off the national grid following a technical fault, a development expected to worsen Zimbabwe’s persistent electricity shortages.

In a statement released on Monday, the power utility said the unit would be out of service for ten days while restoration work is carried out.

“Hwange Unit 8 has been taken off the grid due to a technical fault. The unit will be out of service for 10 days while restoration work is carried out,” ZESA said.

The company said Hwange Unit 7 remains operational, generating 335 megawatts (MW) to support system stability, while power generation at Kariba South Power Station has been ramped up with “careful management of water allocations” to compensate for the temporary shortfall.

ZESA apologized for the inconvenience and appealed for public understanding as engineers work to restore the unit.

Zimbabwe has faced recurring electricity supply challenges over the past two decades, driven by ageing infrastructure, limited generation capacity, and low water levels at Kariba Dam. While the commissioning of Hwange Units 7 and 8 in 2023 brought some relief, frequent breakdowns have continued to disrupt supply, forcing industries and households to endure prolonged load-shedding.

The latest fault at Hwange comes at a time when power demand is surging across the country, particularly during the hot season when air conditioning and irrigation systems increase pressure on the grid.

Energy experts say the outage highlights the need for greater investment in maintenance, renewable energy, and grid modernization to stabilize Zimbabwe’s power supply in the long term.