The ManicaPost
Tanyaradzwa Mujati
Post Reporter
GOVERNMENT remains committed to facilitating youths’ access to relevant spaces in the politics of the country and its promise to broaden their participation in Government is high on its agenda, says Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Honourable Nokhuthula Matsikinyere.
Speaking on behalf of Minister Matsikenyere during the belated Youth Day Commemorations held at Sakubva Beit Hall today, a director in her Office, Mr Lucky Bhasopo challenged youths to recommit to playing their part in defending and safeguarding the democracy, peace and stability in the country.
“The National Youth Day allows you youths to collectively remember and honour the sacrifices made by the young people of yesteryear who took up arms to deliver our country’s independence and sovereignty. Our country’s colonial history must never be forgotten. The rich heritage bequeathed to us by our founding fathers must be preserved and promoted.
“As you do so, I challenge you to recommit to playing your part in defending and safeguarding the democracy, peace and stability that we are enjoying in our country,” said Minister Matsikenyere.
She called upon authorities within learning institutions to ensure that systems are in place to mitigate against the use and peddling of drugs.
“At Government level, an Inter-Ministerial Committee is scaling up the implementation of multi-pronged strategies in response to the drugs and substance abuse scourge. Authorities within learning institutions must ensure that systems are in place to mitigate against the use and peddling of drugs. Unruly behaviour related to drug and substance use must be dealt with decisively within our education institutions.
“Overall, responsive and holistic strategies must be rolled out across sectors and societal levels in both public and private institutions, to harness our youthful demographic dividend towards the realisation of Vision 2030,” she said.
Minister Matsikenyere said Zimbabwe is not a drug and illegal substance producer or peddler and, therefore, society must work hand in glove with police in flushing out drug peddlers by reporting them.
“The police and other security arms are acting decisively in flushing out drug syndicates, as well as dismantling the associated supply chains. Security at the country’s ports of entry is being tightened to plug the movement and proliferation of harmful drugs and substances. To augment these ongoing efforts, the review of legislation and related policy measures on drug and substance abuse is receiving urgent attention. No stone will be left unturned.
“Communities are urged to expose those who harbour drug peddlers and merchandisers. No-one is above the law. Zimbabwe is not a drug and illegal substance producer or peddler and trends to do so will be expunged to defend our country and the youth, who are our future,” said Minister Matsikenyere.
The Government is setting up specialised medical facilities to provide services to drug addicts and survivors of substance abuse.
“As a Government, we recognise the importance of treatment, care, rehabilitation, pyscho-social support and re-integration as important pillars in fighting Drug and Substance abuse. To this end, my Government is setting up specialised medical facilities to provide services to drug addicts and survivors of substance abuse. Equally, greater focus is being given to strengthen the delivery of quality services in the mental health sub-sector and provision of related psycho-social support nets,” she said.
