Hundreds Gather in Ruwa for Strategic Anti-Drug Campaign
In a powerful show of unity and resolve, hundreds of residents converged at Victory Park (Solomio) in Ruwa’s Ward 7 on Friday, 7th November, for a landmark Anti-Drug and Substance Abuse Awareness Campaign.
The event, running from 8am to 3pm, was spearheaded by ZANU PF Councillor Charles Humbato and brought together a broad coalition of political figures, law enforcement, schools, and community organisations in a determined stand against the rising tide of drug abuse among Zimbabwean youths.
Strategic Timing: Protecting Grade 7 Pupils at Their Most Vulnerable
The campaign’s theme, “Better to build a child than to repair a man,” resonated throughout the day, stressing the urgent need for early intervention and community vigilance.
Councillor Charles Humbato, in his opening remarks, explained the deliberate timing of the annual event:
“We have deliberately chosen November for this anti-drug awareness campaign because this is precisely when our Grade 7 students have finished writing their national examinations and are home for the first time without the structured environment of school. These young people, aged 12 to 13, are at a critical transition point before entering secondary school in January. Research shows this is when they are most vulnerable to drug experimentation due to increased free time and reduced adult supervision. It’s better to build a child than to repair a man – that’s why we intervene now,” said Cllr Humbato.
Grade 7 pupils, having completed their exams in early October, face a long, unstructured break before starting Form 1. Evidence from national health and education authorities indicates that such periods are high-risk for drug initiation, making the campaign’s timing both strategic and necessary.
Dignitaries, Law Enforcement, and Community Leaders Join Forces
The event was graced by a host of dignitaries and community leaders, reflecting the seriousness with which the drug crisis is being addressed. Notable ZANU PF attendees included Central Committee Member Cde Golden Mujahwe, Guest of Honour Cde Kudzanayi Majuru (Vice Chairman of Mashonaland East Province), Provincial Member Cde Ben Chiwandire, Cde Asan Seremani (Vice Chairman of DCC Goromonzi), and DCC members led by Cde Jay Mabasa. Also present were Violent Sumaidi from the Ministry of Youth in Goromonzi, District Chairman Cde Zaranyika, Busy Boys and Busy Girls Association members Cde Mukamba and Cde Nyanyiwa, Ward Development Committee members Cde F Kambuta, Cde Nyarugwe, and Cde Njukuya representing housing cooperatives, and Councillor Cde Dizha from Goromonzi Rural District Council.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) Ruwa provided a strong law enforcement presence, with the CID Drugs and Narcotics division delivering a compelling message of partnership and prevention. Detective Sergeant Calphen Foya stated:
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police stands firmly with communities like Ward 7 in the fight against drug and substance abuse. Our CID Drugs and Narcotics division is committed to not only enforcement but education and prevention. We cannot arrest our way out of this crisis – we must work hand-in-hand with parents, schools, and community leaders to protect our children before they fall victim to these destructive substances. Every child we save today is a family we keep intact tomorrow,” said Sergeant Calphen Foya.
Community Engagement: Schools, Sports, and Creative Expression
The campaign’s success was amplified by the vibrant participation of local schools, with over 2,070 students registering for the occasion. Youth groups and schools used drama, poetry, and music to communicate the dangers of drug abuse in relatable terms, while testimonies from community members and presentations by the CID Drugs and Narcotics division highlighted the real-life impact of substance abuse and the importance of resilience and positive choices.
Sporting finals added excitement to the day, with Purple Patch Academy triumphing over Cliffs Secondary in girls’ football (3–0) and defeating DN Academy in boys’ football by the same margin. These activities not only showcased local talent but also promoted healthy alternatives to substance abuse.
Recognising Support and Fostering Unity
Material support was provided by the Ruwa Local Board, represented by Town Secretary Mr K.M. Madanhi, who donated t-shirts for participating children, fostering a sense of unity and pride among the youth. Councillor Chiroodza was also acknowledged for supporting the event.
Councillor Charles Humbato engaged students in interactive sessions on drugs and substance abuse, rewarding knowledge and participation with over 15 gold medals, 15 silver medals, and 200 exercise books.
National Crisis: Zimbabwe’s Youth at the Epicentre
Zimbabwe is grappling with a worsening drug and substance abuse crisis, with youth at the epicentre. National statistics show that over 57% of young people have engaged in substance abuse, and 80% of admissions at major mental health hospitals are for drug-induced psychosis, much of it among juveniles. The Government’s Multi-Sectoral Drug and Substance Abuse Plan (2024–2030) aims to reverse these trends through coordinated prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation efforts.
The crisis is particularly acute among adolescents and young adults, with the country recording the highest rate of heavy episodic drinking among 15- to 19-year-olds in Africa. The impact on mental health facilities is severe, with the majority of psychiatric admissions now linked to substance abuse.
Local Leadership and Community Development
Ward 7’s campaign is rooted in Ruwa’s tradition of community-driven development, facilitated by active Ward Development Committees (WDCs). These grassroots structures, led by Councillor Humbato, play a pivotal role in mobilising resources, planning interventions, and ensuring inclusive participation. The campaign’s multi-sectoral approach—engaging schools, law enforcement, local government, and community organisations—reflects the collaborative ethos promoted by WDCs and aligns with national priorities for youth protection and empowerment.
A Blueprint for Community Action
The Ward 7 Anti-Drug and Substance Abuse Awareness Campaign at Victory Park stands as a model of community-driven action, uniting political leaders, law enforcement, schools, and families in the fight to protect Zimbabwe’s youth. By targeting Grade 7 students at their most vulnerable, the campaign embodies the wisdom of its theme: “Better to build a child than to repair a man.”
The collaborative spirit and strategic timing of the Ward 7 campaign offer hope and a blueprint for other communities facing similar challenges. As Zimbabwe intensifies its fight against drug and substance abuse, such grassroots initiatives remain essential to safeguarding the nation’s future.
