by Gideon Madzikatidze/Simbarashe Sithole
HARARE – ZANU‑PF’s Secretary for Security in the Politburo, Tendai Chirau, and upcoming musician, Ngwere Diki have applauded First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa for her initiative in establishing rehabilitation centres across the country for victims of drug and substance abuse.
Speaking during his address at Gwanzura Stadium in Harare’s Highfields suburb where the party rolled out its second inter-district engagement and post-conference update meeting with grassroots membership (Zone 2), Chirau emphasised that the party has resolved that individuals caught supplying drugs should be arrested and face severe legal consequences.
“During our annual party conference in Mutare, (Manicaland provinces) we resolved that anyone found supplying drugs or those cartels should be arrested and rot in jail,” Chirau said.
Chirau highlighted the importance of Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa’s efforts in addressing the nation’s drug‑abuse challenge, noting that the rehabilitation centres are a crucial step toward helping addicts recover and reintegrate into society. He reiterated ZANU‑PF’s commitment to combating drug trafficking and abuse, stressing the need for a tough stance against drug suppliers to protect Zimbabwe’s youth and communities.
“Let me further pay tribute to our revolutionary party, ZANU-PF which has unanimously endorsed that supplying drugs and substances which affect some demographics of our populace should not be tolerated since we equate it to murder,” Chirau added.
Meanwhile, upcoming musician, Ngwere Diki has has also emphasised that the arts and entertainment industry should continue unite in denouncing peddling of drugs, hence the government and all stakeholders should be tough against the illegal trade.
“Please help as artistes in music and entertainment industry in our quest to fight drugs and substances abuse which has ravaged viability and development of our profession. I call upon all stakeholders to unite in fighting drugs and those supplying it,” Ngwere Diki said.
Harare provincial political commissar (ZANU-PF), Voyage Dambuza has expressed the influence of music in fighting drugs claiming it has impact of reaching out to everyone.
“We always work closely with all artistes and musicians since their trade has capacity to reach wide audience. Music speaks, teaches, spcialise, evokes memory, educate and entertain whilst also address specific contextual ills ravaging communities,” Dambuza said.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa has called on various province to raise funds meant for establishing various drugs and substances abuse rehabilitation centres to complement in fighting the scourge.